SEEDS 61 



and placed in a paper packet and kept dry, they retain their 

 germinating power for several years. For raising stock of 

 species, seeds are by far the best ; but for hybrids and garden 

 varieties they are unreliable, as they do not reproduce the 

 distinguishing characters of their parents. If, however, it 

 is desired to raise new sorts, seeds taken from the best 

 varieties may yield a percentage of good seedlings. This is, 

 of course, the practice of those who breed new Rhodo- 

 dendrons. Cross-fertilisation may improve the chances, al- 

 though it is often better to use pollen of the same kind, if 

 from a separate plant, than that of another variety. When 

 two distinct plants of hybrid origin are crossed with each 

 other, the progeny is often inferior. Experienced breeders, 

 knowing this, work only with what is called a particular 

 strain, whether it is a domesticated race of plants or of 

 animals. Sufficient attention is not paid to the very im- 

 portant question of purity of strain by breeders of plants ; 

 and, as a consequence, they effect little beyond an increase 

 in the multitude of mongrels of worthless character. 



Seeds, then, are only to be used for the propagation of 

 wild or true species of Rhododendrons. They may be sown 

 at any time, preferably in March or April. Pots or pans 

 should be used or prepared in the usual way, the compost 

 most suitable for the seeds being finely-sifted peat and sand 

 in equal proportions, pressed firmly into the pot, well watered, 

 and allowed to drain before the seeds are sown. As with 

 all fine seeds, those of Rhododendron should be scattered 

 evenly over the surface of the soil, and then covered with 

 the thinnest possible layer of fine sand. Each pot should 

 be covered with a pane of glass, and then placed on a shelf 

 in a warm greenhouse where it can be shaded from direct 

 sunshine. The soil must not be allowed to become any- 



