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HYBRIDIZING. 
individuality. On this account it is that seminal varieties are 
found more easy of hybridizing than the original species from 
which they spring, the greatest difficulty being often found in 
breaking in upon the normal character; but the tendency to 
sport once induced, it seems to be possible to carry it almost to 
any extent: those who are beginners, should therefore commence 
with such groups as already contain varieties, as with these their 
efforts are most likely to be successful, and, having closely observed 
the results of their operations, they will then be in a better 
position for more intricate and uncertain attempts. 
The theory of this branch of the science is but yet in its infancy, 
and much of the practice consequently founded on nothing more 
than mere supposition. The researches of the late Messrs. 
Knight and Herbert, to both of whom a tribute of praise and 
deep regret is due, have, however, given us some intimation of 
the laws which govern this combination of natures, and with 
careful investigation we may reasonably hope to arrive ere long 
at a more satisfactory amount of knowledge; as it is, many 
practical results are at variance not only with what has been 
supposed an indestructible rule in the matter, but also with 
themselves, the strongest contrarieties arising from one and the 
same act, as an increase of vigour, and decrease of strength, a 
departure from, and identity of character, together with all 
manner of variations of colour, have frequently been observed 
among the product of a single pod of seed; how this is to be 
reconciled with any stated or positive rule we have yet to learn. 
From the collective available evidence we are possessed of, it 
seems, however, that the anticipated progeny are most likely to 
partake largely of the character of the female or seed-bearing 
parent, though instances are not wanting which point to a 
directly contrary result, yet this is what may most reasonably be 
expected, and consequently, whichever of the individuals it is 
desired to mingle happen to come nearest the ultimate object of 
the operator, that one should be designed for the seedling parent, 
its character for ductility being equal. 
In accordance with that great command, which declared that 
every plant and tree should yield seed “ after its kind,” it will 
be found, whenever the pollen natural to a plant, or that which 
it produces in itself, has been applied to the stigma, all subsequent 
