On Imprrsnatioii of F/ovrrs for linixivp; Superior Hyhri/ls. 231 



We shall suppose him admiring some beautiful flower, but, alas ! 

 it is too delicate for our surly climate ; it comes from some coun- 

 try where frost never congealed its flowing sap, or bliglited its 

 o[iening- beauties ; still he admires and covets it ; he has some of 

 the same family in his garden — hardy fellows, that brave every 

 blast ; but they want the beautiful color and form of their exotic 

 I'elatioii. Our amateur is one who has studied the structure and 

 I'unctiojis of plants, and the laws by which tliose functions are 

 gxworncd in their operations ; he thinks he may transfer the beau- 

 tiful iiiilorescence of the exotic to its more hardy relations in the 

 garden. And he does so : art triumphs over all, his skill and 

 I'orethought are abundantly crowned with success. In thousands 

 i»f instances has this transfer of intltu'escence taken place, to the 

 gratification of every admirer of nature's most lovely productions. 

 The skill of the artist is rapidl}'- changing the face of the floral 

 world ; a standard of perfection has been laid before the florist, 

 and all are bent on its attainment. The art, however, is but in 

 its infancy ; there is not that precision and certainty in results 

 which we think will yet be attained. However, much has been 

 done ; it is an employment full of the most pleasant excitement, 

 and one to which we Avould invite all amateurs to share in. 



As the object of hybridizing is to improve in form and color, 

 only the most perfect formed of flowers ought to be chosen for this 

 purpose ; little advance need be expected, uidess that rule be 

 strictly attended to, as flowers that have been artificially improved 

 are very apt to run back to their originals, unless urged on by the 

 same superior attention that has brought them so far as they are. 

 The plants to be operated on must not only be of the best and most 

 perfect kinds, but they must also be in a high state of health, 

 otherwise good seed cannot be obtained. Wlien the flowers of a 

 plant, intended for tlie seed-plant, are about to open, and just be- 

 fore they expand, the petals must be gently opened, and with, a 

 fine pointed scissors cut out all the stamens, taking care not to 

 hurt the stigma. The reason for thus early cutting out the sta- 

 mens, is to prevent the pollen on them from coming in contact with 

 the stigma, which would defeat any attempt at cross impregna- 

 tion, by being done in the natural way. The plant to be operated 

 on and the plant to be operated with, must both be in the same 

 state of forwardness as regards their blossom ; very soon after 

 the petals are expanded is the proper time to apply the pollen of 



