LUTHER BURBANK 



enced no great difficulty, however, in making the 

 petals regular, as well as increasing their number 

 by selection. 



STUDIES IN COLOR 



In the newer series of experiments, especial 

 heed was given, also, to the matter of color varia- 

 tion, seeking for clear and brilliant colors of vary- 

 ing shades. The blending of shades, and the 

 arrangement of lines, dots, and edges of different 

 color on the petals were all carefully taken into 

 account. 



There is opportunity for skill in the blending of 

 different shades in a flower of such diversity of 

 color as the gladiolus, akin to the painter's skill in 

 mixing pigments. 



One learns that there are certain combinations 

 that will produce disagreeable colors, whereas 

 others will result in new shades of exceptional 

 brilliancy. 



The characteristics of each flower to be worked 

 into a hybridizing combination must be carefully 

 studied. 



If, for example, we cross a yellow gladiolus 

 with a white one, we are likely to get a dingy 

 white that is by no means agreeable. The cross 

 of a pale pink with a white form is likely to give 

 us a still paler pink, which would not be regarded 

 as an improvement. Again, from the blending 



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