THE WHEAT CTJLTTJEIST. 



43 



pose of developing improved varieties, or such as shall 

 be found peculiarly adapted to the soil, climate, or de- 

 mands of particular sections of the country ; and, for 

 their guidance, a few practical suggestions will here be 

 given. 



" ISTew varieties thus produced resemble both parents, 

 but seldom in an equal degree. In successful experi- 

 ments, they are usually of earlier development than 

 either parent, more prolific, and better adapted to with- 

 stand cold and drought. A late plant of an early, and 

 an early plant of a late race, may be made to produce 

 early, late, and intermediate varieties. Sometimes, 

 when the first cross is not good, a mixture between it 

 and one of the parent races, or even a second or third 

 cross of this nature, may result in the desired quality. 

 Two races, which do not cross freely, may also find a 

 medium of union in a third. Again, a race that will 

 not readily receive, will often freely impart impregna- 

 tion. 



" In every perfect head of wheat, there are, during the 

 blooming season, both male and female organs of repro- 

 duction, three stamens and one pistil. The stamens, or 

 male organs, shoot out beyond the chafi", or calyx, each 

 having an anther suspended by a fine thread. 



" The three males are designed to impregnate the 

 stigma of the one female, or pistil, which is situated in 

 the centre of the anthers. From these anthers, a pow- 

 der, or pollen, is emitted, which adheres to, or is ab- 

 sorbed by, the stigma, and is conveyed by it down to 

 the berry, or seed, at its base, and thus effects the work 

 of fecundation. So decided is the preference of the 

 pistil for the pollen of its own stamens, that it is often 

 impossible to impregnate it with that of any other head, 



