Methods of Crossing Berries 37 



seen at the center in Fig. 8; the styles will be extended 

 and spreading, and the stigmas will have a sticky look, in- 

 dicating that they are in a receptive condition. Black- 

 berries often require several days 

 to sufficiently develop after 

 emasculation, especially late in 

 the season, if the weather is 

 cool. 



When the stigmas are ready, rig. 8. Raspberry crossing. 



nnrnvpr tho nliiatAr frrm whiph Left ' emasculated bud. 

 ' OVei )m wmcn Center, ready to pollinate. 



the pollen is to be obtained, Right result of incomplete 



fecundation. 



select a blossom from which it 



dusts out freely, and apply it to the ones to be ferti- 

 lized. The pollen may be collected and applied with a 

 spatula or earner s-hair brush, but if in the right condi- 

 tion, 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 imper- 

 fect berry. Only a few of the akenes are likely to be fecun- 

 dated, and there may not be enough to fill out all the space 

 on the receptacle. Such a fruit is shown at the right in 

 Fig. 8. When the fruit is ripe the seeds should be planted 

 and cared for as heretofore directed for growing plants 

 from seed, except that especial care should be used in all 

 the operations to avoid mixture, or injury to seeds, or 

 young plants. Crossing requires much time, and accidents 



