CHAPTER VIII 



Production of New Varieties 



Uncertainty of results — Cross-fertilization — Sports, or bud 

 variations 



With chrysanthemums, as with every other 

 cultivated plant, the art of creating new, dif- 

 ferent forms and varieties is rich in fascina- 

 tion and interest. Not only may the results 

 bring us great rewards both aesthetically 

 and financially, but the actual processess 

 of plant breeding carry us into the deep and 

 marvellous realms of Nature's mysteries. 

 My own experience in this line of work hav- 

 ing been limited, I am fortunate in being 

 able to present upon this subject the views 

 and the conclusions, after years of practice, 

 of Mr. Elmer D. Smith, one of the most 

 prominent and successful of all American 

 raisers and breeders of chrysanthemums. 



Before entering upon the details of this 

 subject let us consider some of the natural 

 conditions which have more or less influence 

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