CHAPTER XIX 



HYBRIDISING AND RAISING FROM SEED 



In entering into this fascinating field of 

 hybridising and raising seedlings, avoid above 

 all things any haphazard way, making what 

 Mr. Darwin called "fool's experiments." 

 Have some definite object in view. The pro- 

 duction of a King Alfred, for instance, in an 

 early flowering form which might possibly be 

 accomplished by crossing that variety on spu- 

 rius major or Golden Spur, or vice versa, 

 would be a real achievement. Always work 

 for constitution, vigour of growth and sturdy 

 stems, as well as for size, form, substance and 

 freedom of bloom; and for rich and deep, or 

 else sharply contrasting colouring no 

 washed-out blends are needed. The petals 

 are usually the weakest part of the flower and 

 can stand improving. In many flowers they 

 lack substance and breadth. In some varieties 

 I find they wither and curl back in a sunny ex- 

 posure, while the trumpet or crown is still 

 holding well. 



208 



