PROPAGATION AND CHAP. 



others female, but, these present exceptions to be noticed 

 under the names of such plants. 



74. Of plants, the early coming of which is a circum- 

 stance of importance, the very earliest should be chosen 

 for seed j for, they will almost always be found to include 

 the highest degree of perfection in other respects. They 

 should have great pains taken with them ; the soil and 

 situation should be good -, and they should be carefully 

 cultivated, during the time that they are carrying on their 

 seed to perfection. 



75. But, effectual means must be taken to prevent a 

 mixing of the sorts, or, to speak in the language of 

 farmers, a crossing of the breeds. There can be no cross 

 between the sheep and the dog : but there can be between 

 the dog and the wolf; and, we daily see it, between the 

 greyhound and the hound ; each valuable when true to his 

 kind j and a cross between the two, fit for nothing but 

 the rope: a word which, on this occasion, I use, in pre- 

 ference to that of halter, out of respect for the modern 

 laws and usages of my country. 



76. There can be no cross between a cabbage and a 

 carrot ; but there can be, between a cabbage and a turnip ; 

 between a cabbage and a cauliflower nothing is more com- 

 mon -, and, as to the different sorts of cabbages, they will 

 produce crosses, presenting twenty, and perhaps a thou- 

 sand, degrees, from the Early York to the Savoy. Turnips 

 will mix with radishes and ruta-baga- all these with 

 rape ; the result will mix with cabbages and cauliflowers ; 

 so that, if nothing were done to preserve plants true to 





