268 CROSS IMPREGNATION. 



native woods, and, moreover, the wild cabbage on 

 our shores, we must admit the great importance of 

 cross impregnation, as one of the means which has 

 brought about such signal triumphs of cultivation as 

 are exemplified in the improved varieties of these 

 several plants. But, besides these, we may instance 

 the beautiful varieties of cherries from the wild 

 guigne ; the peach and nectarine, probably from the 

 almond ; and, in warmer climates, the almost count- 

 less numbers of the citron family, from the unculti- 

 vated lime. What has been already accomplished is 

 invaluable, and is an earnest of how much more may 

 be done by similar means. 



Among onr cultivated fruits many are regarded 

 for peculiar qualities of high flavour, long keeping, 

 or as abundant bearers. These properties of one 

 variety may be transferred to others where they are 

 wanting. A good bearer of inferior quality may be 

 improved by being dusted with the pollen of a high 

 flavoured sort. The union of a ribstone pippin with a 

 hawthorndean, for instance, would be an improvement. 

 That between the whiteheart and bigaroon cherries 

 would be a desirable variety; and so of many others. 

 Among flowers, the prospect opened by the prac- 

 tice of cross-impregnation between varieties is bound- 

 less ! Where splendid colours are required to be 

 added to elegant forms ; where variegation would 

 improve a one-tinted blossom, or where the rich 

 colours of a dwarf are sought to be given to a flower 

 of more ample habit, all this is in the power of the 



