LUTHER BURBANK 



In contrast with this giant is a dwarf of the 

 same species, retaining the characteristics of the 

 calla, and having the peculiar interest that attaches 

 to a miniature flower reproducing the qualities of 

 a familiar flower which we ordinarily think of as 

 being of large size. Some of my dwarf varieties, 

 produced by selection, have flowers only two 

 inches in diameter. 



Among the offspring of the Giant Calla, one has 

 appeared that has a shade of purplish crimson on 

 the stalk and blossom. This color I have never 

 known to appear in the common calla before, and 

 its appearance suggests reversion to a very remote 

 ancestor. It is possible that the giant bears blood 

 of one of the other species, two or three of which, 

 as before mentioned, have strains of purple in 

 their heredity but this is unlikely, as I have never 

 been able to get these species to cross. 



It will appear that there is abundant oppor- 

 tunity for the making of interesting experiments 

 with the different races of callas. As to the practi- 

 calities of cross-poUenizing, there are no difficul- 

 ties, notwithstanding the very curious character of 

 the floral envelope. The calla flowers, as is well- 

 known, are very tiny, and borne on the central 

 spadix that stands like a little post in the center 

 of the leaf-like spathe that is ordinarily thought 

 of as constituting the flower. 



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