CROSSING 39 



about the stem. Some flat tying material is best for 

 tying, raffia being most convenient if at hand. At the 

 same time, a cluster on the variety which is to be used 

 as the male parent should be covered in the same way, 

 in order to have pure pollen to apply at the right time. 

 When first emasculated, a raspberry bud will have 

 much the appearance of Fig. 8, but usually in about 

 two days, in warm weather, it will have devel- 

 oped far enough to be ready for pollination. 

 It will then have the appearance of Fig. 9 ; 

 the styles will be extended and spreading, and 

 the stigmas will have a sticky look, indicating 

 that they are in a receptive condition. Black- 

 berries often require several days to sufficiently E mascuia- 

 develop after emasculation, especially late in tioncom- 

 the season if the weather is cool. 



When the stigmas are ready, uncover the cluster 

 from which the pollen is to be obtained, select a 

 blossom from which it dusts out freely, and apply 

 it to the ones to be fertilized. The pollen may be 

 collected and applied with a spatula or camel's -hair 

 brush, but if in the right condition, applying the 

 flower direct is the simplest way. The pollinated 

 cluster must then be at once covered, as before, and 

 left for a week or ten days. At the end of that 

 time, if all the stigmas have shriveled away, the paper 

 sack may be replaced by one of mosquito netting, 

 which will admit light and air, but still protect the 

 fruit from birds and boys. 



In case of the brambles, the result will often be 

 an imperfect berry. Only a few of the akenes are 



