172 HORTICULTURE FOR SCHOOLS 



climates it is considered best to use cork for the purpose. 

 Pollen is sometimes stored and shipped in capsules such as 

 are employed for holding quinine and other drugs. It can 

 also be kept in paper bags tied securely. 



268. Emasculating the flowers. The flowers to receive 

 the pollen are prepared a short time before the stigmas are 

 receptive. In order to prevent self-pollination, perfect flowers, 

 like those possessed by most fruit-trees, must have the anthers 

 removed before they are ripe. This process is known as 

 emasculation. The flowers must be emasculated before the 

 petals open in order to prevent the carrying of pollen to the 

 stigmas by insects, and as soon as emasculated should be 

 covered with paper bags. Flowers may be emasculated a few 

 days before they would naturally open. In preparing a 

 twig for emasculation, all immature buds and those too far 

 advanced should be removed. 



In emasculating flower-buds of the common stone-fruits 

 (as plum, cherry), enough of the perianth is removed to take 

 away all the stamens. A study of the flower will show just 

 how much of the calyx it is necessary to remove in each 

 variety. There are several ways of emasculating flowers of 

 this type. One way is to cut through the calyx clear around 

 the flower-bud with small scissors, leaving the pistil intact. 

 Another method is to make the cut with a sharp scalpel. A 

 better and faster way of emasculating flower-buds of this 

 type was originated by E. J. Kraus at the Oregon Experiment 

 Station. This consists in removing the proper portion of the 

 perianth with the finger-nails (See Figs. 108-1 10) . The thumb 

 and second finger are used to cut through the side of the bud 

 as illustrated in Fig. 109. The beginner will make two cuts 

 with the nails, one on either side of the bud, and at the second 

 will lift the loosened perianth over the top of the pistil. As 

 one becomes more expert, he will make but one cut on the side 

 of the bud, tearing around the bud and removing the perianth 

 at the same time. By using this method it is possible to 



