Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-07-07

ion, tlia, it is much more frequent than most
botanisis are willing to allow, as we often hear
Of new species of plants being discovered, which
subsequent Investigations ascertain TO be by
birds. Yet from known facts, the conclusion
is irresistible, that there arc well defined limits
10 the existence of these crosses, in order that
the purity Of the races may remain as originally
impressed on them by their Creators but where
these boundaries are or upon what basis they
exist, has not YET been asceriained,
Some able boanists have supposed that the
same law regulates tho production and SUISSE
quent fertility Of hybrds. in both the animal and
vegetable Kingdoms 10 certain extent this
opinion may DO correct, but It is we'll known
than seminal porpeiua.ion extends through q
greater series Of generations among plants,
than among the animal tribes while at the
same time they seem to admit Of wider range
Of crossing. 1t ought TO be recolected, how
ever, that this principle is not intended 20 rec
ognisc the iniormixturc Of mere rdriaies Of the
same species in either kingdoms, such as take
place among the endless varieties of peas, corn,
&c, or among our domestic fowls, dogs, Sc,
but to those Of distinct spedcs.
The limits, too; Of seminal propagation a.
mong hybrid plants, are more indefniie-so
far as known-than among animals although,
in this respect, they are exceedingly yarible.
Thus, hybrid, of intermediate parental char
acteristics, may be obtained, perfect in all its
ufdl functions, and fully suspectihlo Of propa-
cation by Subdivisions, but entirely deficient in
the powers of poriectng its soeds. In other in
stances, if complete sterili,y is not manifest
the progeny is puny and sckly, rarely extend
ing beyond the third or iou,h generation, un-
less renocuIated by healthy siaminate plant.
Hybrids are supposed to parlake Of the pc
cuiari,es of tho staminaic plant in their floral
developments, while in their foliage they more
closely resemble the pistilaie parent. A know
ledge Of this is Of much value to the practical
bybridizcr.
/ The most important practical points connected
with hybrldizaion are which plants, in common
cultivation, will intermx. and which will not
and how these points may be determined; for one
Of the grand secrets in the successful cultivation
of all plants raised from seeds, depends on their
purity and perfection. And when utermixturc
is effected, deterioration and sterilily will soon
or or later follow
Unfortunately this subject. although of vast
Importance to all culiyaiors. is still involved in
doubt and uncertainty, and nothing has yet
been developed which can be used with certain
ty in practice. Tho principles controlling and
regulating this action, have hitherto eludcd de-
lection, and all that is known on the subject is
mere speculative conjeciuros, based on very lin
tied observation
The Dean Of Manchester, who Las devoted |
more time to the subject than any other cult
yaior Of hybrids, is firm in the belief that they |
canno. be obtained, by any known process from
species Of different genera and he adds, |
where such lybrids have been reported, il is |
presumptiye evidence that the true principles Of
their classifcaions have been overlooked -
On the other hand, many well defined species |
of the same genus, cannot be made to iniermix, |
even by our best manipulators. Thus, Prof |
Lindley has often tried to cross the eooseherry /
with the currant, both species of the genus |
Ribs, but without success. lie has also at |
tempted, with the same result, crossing the ap- |
pie and pear, both species of Pyrus the rasp- |
berry with the blackberry, both species Of the |
genus Rtjus. lie observes, sit is hard to 81 Y |
within what limits hybridizating NAV be effect. |
ed and whenever attempted, il can only be /
regarded as a game of chance, played between
man and plants"
The general rule adopted by hybridizers is, |
that plants only which are nearly allied, are
susceptible Of crossing. But the exceptions
are so numerous. as almost to destroy this gen
erality, Thus, the TAalja fitoraiis is a hybrid /
between the Red Cedar and the American Ar
Dor Vita; and plants have been obtained from
crossing the Rhododendron with the Azelias
while is is highly probable that the range of
exceptions will continue to widen with ojserva-
ton and experiment.
Varieties of the most species readily cross
with each other; hence the great variety OBJ
served in our cultivated peas, beans, corn, oats,
&c. In these cases, there is constitutional |
similarity Of organization which favors sexual .
in mixture; but in different species, there
doubtless exists molecular arrangement pceul- 4
lar to each, which may, or may not favor hybri- /
dlzaiion; of the existence Of which however, |
we have no iniallible exterior index whereby
these peculiariles can be determined.