210 DAFFODILS — NARCISSUS 



brid is the result of crossing quite different 

 flowers. 



The flowers to be artificially pollenized 

 should have their anthers removed before 

 the pollen is ready to shed, to prevent self pol- 

 lination. Then tie a piece of netting over the 

 flower to prevent insects from carrying for- 

 eign pollen to the stigma. When the latter 

 is ripe for the operation, apply the pollen 

 from the chosen flower by means of a camel's 

 hair brush slightly moistened, or a bit of ivory 

 or bone. Re-cover the flower operated upon 

 with netting. It is advisable to repeat this 

 operation two or three times on successive 

 days to make sure that the purpose has been 

 accomplished. If fertilisation is successful, 

 the ovary will soon develop into a seed pod 

 and as it nears maturity, it should be carefully 

 watched and gathered before it bursts and 

 scatters its seeds. 



When the intended parents flower at differ- 

 ent times, artificial crossing is accomplished 

 by retarding the early flowering sort and has- 

 tening the flowering of the late sort by forc- 

 ing under glass if necessary. But if, normally, 

 the difference in time Is not over two weeks. 



