28 BULLETIN 962, U. S. DEPAHTMENT OF AGRiCtJLTXJRE. 



VARIETAL SELECTIONS. 



But little has been accomplished in the segregation of uniform 

 strains of Easter lilies. The seedlings are especially variable in form, 

 and it is thought that selections based on individual performance 

 will yield the best results. In seedlings in the vegetative condition 

 upward of 30 more or less distinct types are recognizable. They have 

 not been studied long enough to determine their relative qualities. 

 This will take time. 



The season at which distinctions in vegetative characters are most 

 noticeable is that just preceding the formation of flower buds, strange 

 as it may seem, but there are many characters which are quite pro- 



FiG. 13. — Four stem bulblets from a single stem, measuring 3| to 4 inches in circum- 

 ference. These bulblets will be large enough to force after growing one year. This 

 kind of reproduction is much more desirable than a larger number of smaller 

 bulblets. 



nounced even in the rosette stage. Selections can profitably be made 

 before the buds show, and a reselection after the flowers open. It will 

 probably be worth while also to make selections based on bulb char- 

 acteristics. 



Whether the early-flowered seedlings perpetuate the characteristic 

 of early flowering in the vegetative progeny is not known. Some 

 plants start into new growth early, i. e., the new crowns for the next 

 year begin to grow even before the first flowers have faded. Fortu- 

 nately, the percentage of these is small, and they probably should be 

 eliminated. The desirable bulb is one that forms a large, promising 

 crown for next year's performance which remains dormant during 

 autumn if not disturbed. 



