16 
BULLETIN 1092. IT. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
eight basal branches and reaches maturity in 65 to 75 days. Under 
favorable conditions it does not grow more than 60 to 65 centimeters 
in total height. This pink-flowered flax is a form of Linum usita- 
tissimum L. and is distinctly different from the red -flowered orna- 
mental known as Linum grandiflorum, rubrum Desfl. 
The method of selection followed in this cross has been to rogue 
out all short pink-flowered flax plants in the second generation and 
to select all tall pink flax plants. The rest of the hybrid seed has 
been lumped together. In order to secure a good type it is neces- 
sary to select so as to eliminate the low count of seeds per boll, the 
short stem length, and the large extent of basal branching, all fea- 
tures which are characteristic of the pink-flowered parent. One of 
the tall pink flaxes selected in the second generation has bred true 
in the third and fourth generations and is almost half again as tall 
as the pink-flowered parent. (Fig. 5.) It has the reduced branch- 
ing habit and late maturity of the tall blue-flowered parent combined 
with the pink flower color of the short parent. Since all commercial 
flaxes have blossoms of either blue or white, the color of this tail 
pink-flowered selection will serve to identify it in the field and 
simplify crop inspection. 
INSTRUMENTS DEVISED FOR USE IN BREEDING FLAX. 
Plant-breeder's forceps. — The use of a plant-breeder's forceps 
(Fig. 6) facilitates the work of removing the stamens. This is 
worn on the finger when 
in use. The brass ring to 
which the short arm is sol- 
dered is cut obliquely, so 
that the movement of the 
first joint of the forefinger 
will be unrestricted. The 
pressure of the thumb on 
the forefinger closes the tip 
against the stamen. In 
order that the tips may 
point at right angles to 
the direction at which 
the pressure is exerted, 
the arms of the forceps 
are bent. Mr. William 
Snyder, formerly of the 
Porto Eico Agricultural 
Experiment Station at Mayaguez, P. R., assisted materially in de- 
signing this instrument. 
Fig. 6. — Plant-breeder's forceps. 
