SEEDS 
6i 
and placed in a paper packet and kept dry, they retain their 
germinating power for several years. For raising stock of 
species, seeds are by far the best ; but for hybrids and garden 
varieties they are unreliable, as they do not reproduce the 
distinguishing characters of their parents. If, however, it 
is desired to raise new sorts, seeds taken from the best 
varieties may yield a percentage of good seedlings. This is, 
of course, the practice of those who breed new Rhodo- 
dendrons. Cross-fertilisation may improve the chances, al- 
though it is often better to use pollen of the same kind, if 
from a separate plant, than that of another variety. When 
two distinct plants of hybrid origin are crossed with each 
other, the progeny is often inferior. Experienced breeders, 
knowing this, work only with what is called a particular 
strain, whether it is a domesticated race of plants or of 
animals. Sufficient attention is not paid to the very im- 
portant question of purity of strain by breeders of plants ; 
and, as a consequence, they effect little beyond an increase 
in the multitude of mongrels of worthless character. 
Seeds, then, are only to be used for the propagation of 
wild or true species of Rhododendrons. They may be sown 
at any time, preferably in March or April. Pots or pans 
should be used or prepared in the usual way, the compost 
most suitable for the seeds being finely-sifted peat and sand 
in equal proportions, pressed firmly into the pot, well watered, 
and allowed to drain before the seeds are sown. As with 
all fine seeds, those of Rhododendron should be scattered 
evenly over the surface of the soil, and then covered with 
the thinnest possible layer of fine sand. Each pot should 
be covered with a pane of glass, and then placed on a shelf 
in a warm greenhouse where it can be shaded from direct 
sunshine. The soil must not be allowed to become any- 
