26 INTRODUCTION. 



becomes a puzzling question, as connected with 

 other physiological facts. 



In breaking flowers by impregnation the fol- 

 lowing means must be used. Any flower of a 

 fine form and size, but destitute of high or deep 

 colour, is fixed on to be improved ; and also the 

 high-coloured flower whose tints are wished to 

 be imparted. The two parents are such as it is 

 likely will blow on the same day. If both are 

 well watered (if needful) the day previous, it will 

 assist the operation. Soon as the plant destined 

 to be the female opens its blossom in the morning, 

 let it be immediately deprived of its own stamens 

 by a pair of fine pointed scissors. 



Soon as its stigma or stigmas are fully de- 

 veloped, which may be known by their glisten- 

 ing appearance, bring the ripe stamens of the 

 intended male parent, and therewith dust and 

 cover the stigmas of the female, and immediately 

 shade from direct sunshine, and shelter from 

 wind, if either be necessary. This should be 

 repeated several times in the course of the same 



