ON THE CAMASSIA 



(genus Scilla), of which I have imported many 

 species from South America. The two tribes 

 hybridize readily. The hybrids showed conspic- 

 uous changes in the bulb. The outside covering 

 of the bulb of the squill is whitish, while that of 

 the camassia is usually darker. The hybrids 

 showed more compact bulbs of a lighter color than 

 those of their maternal parent, the camassia. 



But there are all gradations in the bulbs as to 

 color and other qualities. 



I have worked very extensively with the squills, 

 but with reference solely to the development of 

 the flowers, with results that will be outlined in 

 another connection. Here I refer to them only as 

 suggesting that these plants may be of value in 

 introducing new qualities into the strains of hybrid 

 camassias, stimulating further variation, and thus 

 giving opportunity for betterment both of bulb and 

 flower. 



It is too soon to predict just what place these 

 improved camassias may take in the vegetable 

 garden. But the experiments have progressed far 

 enough to show that the species has hitherto 

 unrecognized possibilities. 



Meantime a plant that is almost equally attrac- 

 tive from the standpoint of florist and market gar- 

 dener is an anomaly that must make wide appeal 

 to the horticulturist. 



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