226 
WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
given this interesting subject? By hybridization the florist is en¬ 
abled to improve his flowers and shrubs, the gardener his vegeta¬ 
bles and other products; the horticulturist the different varieties of 
fruit; the apiarist the culture of bees, and the farmer the cereals, 
breeds of stock, etc. 
On each of these a chapter might be written, showing where im¬ 
provements could be made for the benefit of those engaged in each 
specialty or branch of industry. 
In hybridizing, certain principles must be understood: 
1st. How nature produces, whether it be plants or animals. 
2d. Where such plants or animals naturally grow or flourish, as 
climate, and other influences have to be taken into consideration. 
3d. The natural cause of males or females predominating; and, 
4th. The influence the male and female have upon the new plant, 
seed or animal. 
If we understood the above principles we could obtain, to a cer¬ 
tainty, the desired change or improvement sought. It would seem 
that Jacob, the Patriarch of old, comprehended this whole subject, 
when he raised stock for his father-in-law on shares, to obtain his 
daughter for a wife; he knew the underlying principles of this sub¬ 
ject better, perhaps, than we do to-day. He produced the speck¬ 
led cattle at pleasure. Many theories have been advanced relative 
to the causes which produce male or female offspring, or which 
give form, color, or certain points in male or female desired. The 
intelligent breeder, by careful experience and observation, and the 
aid of scientific investigation, will be able to produce any type of 
animal desired, and possibly any sex, at will. The theory advanced 
by many scientific writers upon animal fertilization is, that it con¬ 
sists in the union of the cellular element of the male with that of 
the female, the former passing ipto the latter, and becoming lost in 
its tissues. The germs of a future life are here present, dependent 
on the union for development, but at this period where new life 
begins, direct paternal and maternal influence ceases, and the 
stronger germ determines and stamps the character of the sex. It 
is a very interesting subject, and one which may prove of great 
value to the farmer, when fully understood and practiced. 
Mr. Allen asked if it was possible to hybridize wheat. 
Mr. Peffer: Yes; have samples with which I am experimenting, 
and will explain process at next meeting. Secretary Field has also 
