36 



usually, a sufficient quantity of seed, on an average of 

 seven years, to raise annually the quantity named ; 

 but if a heavy crop of seed is obtained, which will be 

 the case some seasons, that number of plants may 

 produce a sufficient quantity of good seed to raise 

 600 or 700 seedlings ; and, if so, about 450 seedlings 

 will arrive to blooming perfection. Out of 300 seed- 

 lings saved on this system, you are at a certainty of 

 raising five superior or first-rate fl^owers, besides seven 

 or eight (if not more) second-rate flowers. No one 

 should raise seedlings from any sort that cracks in 

 the eye, even if the colours be ever so brilliant, and 

 its other properties perfect. (EmmertorC s Auricula^ 

 23.) 



Make choice of such plants to save seed from as 

 are not more than two or three years old, and healthy ; 

 for, though such plants usually bear but small trusses, 

 their seed pods are as generally large and full. The 

 best proportioned and highest coloured flowers should 

 be saved, and their colours should be true and un- 

 changed to the last ; or, as florists term it, they 

 should "die well." Most flowers having a ground 

 colour of a dark blue purple die bad, whilst those of 

 a dark red purple commonly die well. Plants with 

 only one stem or truss are to be preferred. All ordi- 

 nary flowers should be removed to a great distance 

 from those intended for seed, to prevent cross im- 

 pregnation from them. (Ibid. 17 ; Hotjfff, 148.) 



