Class rV/^^p/j

PKKSKNTBI) BY

Sunset Magazine

Department, Southern I LIBI?.^^I?,"5r San Francisco, Califomi;

;i year. Its circulation i

tliat faithfully tells, by U. S. Department of Agriculture. California, and of the Na for the number and art; tributors are among thi eountry. The represent pages. If you want to i. iixTTTxint-anu-ine Tresi^ reau SuxsET regularly. LUTHER BURBANK

MAN, METHODS and AC HIEVEM ENTS

AN APPRECIATION

EDWARD J. WICKSON Professor of Agricultural Practice, University of California 39^

illustrated from photographs by SHAW, SANTA ROSA

TABER, SAN FRANCISCO AND TIBBJJ",TS, SAN FRANCISCO

REPRINTED FROM "SUNSET MAGAZINE" BY Southern Pacific Company SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA U-S.p3pt.AgrI.

4 O'03 Taber, Photo ldther bdkbanKj of santa rosa^ iiokticultltral scientist

Not only horticuUuristSj hut all who honor men who do things, will find interest, instruction and entertainment in these papers concerning Luther Burhank, of Cali- fornia, written originally for Sunset Magazine, ly Mr. Burhanh's friend and horti- cultural associate. Professor Edward J. Wiclcson, University of California. Wherever "the round world over" men Mow flowers and fruits, know of their origin, their development and their creation, there is Luther Burhank recognized as a man of wondrous power. He has done things. Like that soldier hero, who at the outbreak of the Spanish war, carried this Nation's message to Garcia, Mr. Burhank, without flourish of trumpets, luithout asking for fame, has heen quietly at work for years at his home farm near Santa Rosa, Califoi-nia, developing and making fruits and flowers. Patiently, tenderly, enthusiastically, he has worked with such results that all men who know them give him the highest honor and praise.

A Nature lover, primarily, he is not a man content merely to sit idly by and admire Nature in her various moods and creations. He has ventured to sport with Nature; to see how bright flowers could he made brighter; small blossoms, larger; imperfect fruits, perfect. Thoreau, a Nflture lover, too, was content to rest idly by

IfaJJen Pond, hut will be famous chiefly through communing with tree, bud and blossom. Burroughs and Muir have roved through forests and over mountains, gain- ing enjoyment and health for themselves and making the world richer by telling of Nature's grandeur. Different from them, and yet like them, in his simplicity of heart and modesty of manner, Mr. Burhank, week after week, month after month, year after year, has patiently tended gardens of flowers and experimental orchards and berry patches, selecting, rejecting, exchanging , cultivating , watching, waiting and succeeding. The story of it all has been known to comparatively few. To mag- azine writers and those who sought to give the publicity which he surely has deserved, Mr. Burhank has been extremely reticent. To Professor Wickson, in these papers, he has confided many of the secrets that Nature has told to him. He was fortunate in his confidant, for the writer of these papers by reason of his scientific attainments, his sympathetic nature, his skilful pen, has accom,pUshed well n task that must ivin appreciative praise. CHARLES SEDGWICK AIKEN, Editor Sunset. ;ioijl%ftoi]tB)(fiiHik^ Man.Methods ana Achievements.

BY EDWARD J. ]YICKSON Of the University of California FIRST PAPER— MAN

the close of the century tlie world of the man of science, the philanthropist, AThad paid half a billion dollars for the statesman because they involve new California fruit and fruit prod- contributions to the sum of human ucts, for which reward the California knowledge and are new gifts to the ele- growers had gathered from trees and vation and advancement of mankind. vines half a trillion pounds of fruit. Above even these lofty achievements, Through two most responsive centers of the origination of new fruits and flowers human interest, the purse and the palate, is a manifestation of creative power in California has impressed her existence the mind of man and a demonstration of and horticultural resources strongly up- potentiality in human aspiration, insight on the attention of the world and has and devoted effort. Thus the recent ac- won distinction. But great as is this complishment of the horticulturist tran- achievement, both in itself and in its in- scends horticulture. It also opens new fluences, it is not the only horticultural vistas to the biological sciences. It sug- achievement of California and it is not gests to those who have set metes and the one which the world will most de- bounds upon evolution in the vegetable light to honoi'. Certainly results are be- kingdom that God's way is not as their ing achieved in California in higher hor- way and that no matter how great the ticultural arts which appeal to the results by natural selection hitherto, ar- world's sense of greatness more strongly tificial selection may surpass them all. than do our great undertakings in com- Along this pathway sublime the world mercial fruit growing. now concedes leadership to a Californian To originate new fruits of distinctive and is eager to know more of him, his characters and value is a higher horticul- methods and his achievements. tural art than to multiply the product of old fruits. New achievements in the lat- Luther Burbank, of Santa Eosa, Cali- ter line often of necessity invade estab- fornia, was born in Lancaster, Worcester lished trade and the vanquished but illy county, Massachusetts, March 7, 1849. brooks the conquest which exalts the vic- He was the thirteenth of fifteen children tor, but the production of new fruits is born to Samuel Walton Burbank by hailed everywhere with delight and three marriages. The elder Burbank honor. The volume of the California was a man widely known and in all busi- product, and the profit therein, interest ness and social relations recognized to the counting room ; the beauty and qual- be strong in conviction and unswerving ity of the fruit enrich and adorn the in his moral standards. He was an ad- fair, the market and the sideboard, but mirer and personal acquaintance of Em- the new fruits, with characters hitherto erson, Webster, Sumner, Beecher and undreamed of and possibilities beneficent other strong men of his day. He de- and boundless, command the admiration scended from an ancestry of indoor peo- MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

pie, chiefly active in pedagogical and and developed an improvement in the manufacturing affairs and disclosing no wood-working machinery of the factory notable taste for open-air pursuits. which was so valuable that the owners In the records of his mother's family, offered to multiply his wages more than one who delights in evidence of the trans- twenty-five times if he would remain and mission of tastes and traits can find the give the concern the products of his work source of notable horticultural inherit- as an inventor. He decided, however, ance. His mother's father, Peter Goff that the society of plants was worth more Ross, was a grower of seedling grapes, to him than shop work, even at its high- some of which had very good points, and est levels, and he soon entered upon a other members of the family indulged in horticultural career on the foundation similar avocations. On the mother's side of a seed and plant business. also were the Burpees, well known in Before this his attention was fixed horticultural annals. upon the origination of improved varie- Whether this thirteenth child of his ties by the discussion, in the agricultural father was thought to lie beneath the papers of the time, of the desirability of ban of an unlucky number or not, his better potatoes and he soon attracted no- start upon life was not strong and his tice by his achievements in this direc- promise not remarkable, even to those tion, through exhibits made at the coun- who could be expected to see deeply into ty fairs. His first great success was the such matters. He was slight of build, Burbank potato, the relation of which rather serious in manner and retiring in to his other work will be discussed later. disposition. At a very early age he be- He was proceeding well with the orig- gan to make playmates of plants and his ination of new varieties and in regular doll was a cactus plant, fondly carried seed and plant business when he became about until an accident shattered the convinced of the desirability of Califor- plant and a young heart at one opera- nia as a field for horticultural pursuits tion. In school he was a diligent pupil, and a decision to emigrate was quickly but never able to overcome the fear of made. He reached Santa Rosa in the the sound of his own voice in the pres- fall of 1875 with few resources except a ence of a throng. He was, however, apt resolute, confident spirit and ten Bur- with the pen, free in composition and es- bank potatoes which he reserved by caped the terror of declamation by com- agreement when the whole stock of that pounding with the schoolmaster for twice first great achievement of his was sold the prescribed volume of essay writing. to a leading Massachusetts seedsman. Quantity was no hardship to the pupil His first business announcement in Cali- and the quality pleased the teacher. fornia was an offer of new potatoes and When quite a boy Luther began work it won patronage from enterprising in the shops of the Ames Plow Company growers who were fully assured of the in which his uncle, Luther Eoss, occu- deterioration of the common sorts and pied a position of responsibility. This welcomed improvement. He soon built uncle had a liking for horticultural ex- up a general nursery business and, at periment, and the half days when he was the same time, made notable advances in released from the shop to work among plant breeding. his uncle's seedling grapes and rhubarbs After a little more than a decade of were pleasant to the shop boy. In fact, this twofold effort he cleared the way for lie often looked wistfully through the concentration upon the chosen work of dusty air of the shop upon the distant his life and in 1893 published the first of trees and realized that they were calling a notable series of announcements to him to pursuits more congenial than which he gave the title "New Creations manufacturing. And yet no allurement in Fruits and Flowers." Other issues | could distract the attention of the boy followed in 1894, 1898, 1899 and 1901. from what was properly before him. They contain descriptions and pictures ' Thus early he possessed a concentration of his most striking achievements, sug- of mind and definiteness of purpose gestions of his horticultural beliefs and which are eleinents of genius, for when purposes, and tributes of many who have about sixteen j-ears of age, he conceived expressed opinions upon his work and

MAX. il E T H D S A X D A C H I E Y E il E X T S

its results. These publications produced lisli and California lilack walnut—the a profound sensation throughout the first cross-bred tree of Mr. Burbank's horticultural world. growing. Such, in mere outline, is Mr. Bur- In his modest home and in the very bank's life. Phases of it may intrude as simple arrangements with which he car- the effort is made to show what manner ries on his notable work, the discerning of man he is. visitor can find many suggestions of the spirit and disposition of the man. He The little cottage in which Mr. Bur- utterly neglects the impression iipon peo- bank has long made a home for himself ple which even what might be considered and his mother, a lady of nearly ninety, the proper paraphernalia of his work is within the corporate limits of Santa would make. He grows no slow plants; Rosa, a beautiful and brisk town of he gives no prominence to rare things; about nine thousand inhabitants, situ- he indulges in no display of instruments ated about fifty miles northerly from and accessories which one who works so San Francisco. Here he purchased a largely by plant surgery could excusably tract of four acres in 1878 and upon it delight in. He shows no library, no lab- has maintained his residence and busi- oratory, no case of medals and certifi- ness headquarters until the present time. cates. He is, in fact, so utterly regard- Here, too, part of his propagation has less of the furniture and bric-a-brac of been done, though he owns other lands, his profession that casual visitors are a few miles away, of lighter soil and disappointed that so great a man should warmer exposure which, because of supe- have so few things, and even the visiting rior fitness, have been used for his larg- expert is misled into the conclusion that, est cultiiral work. because he is ushered into no library, Mr. The visitor approaches the modest cot- Burbank is neglectful of the garnered tage through closely trimmed box bor- wisdom of the ages. Such an error is the ders which must be taken as a reminis- fault of the observer. He is widely read cence of old-fashioned. New England in biological science in all its leading gardening, for such are seldom seen in lines, but he approaches no work by the California. In its summer garb of de- compilation route. His strange insight ciduous climbers the little dwelling loses and memory enable him instantly to its conventional outlines in picturesque sieze upon and retain the facts and prin- verdure. All aroiind the dwelling are ciples which he desires for direct use, or areas of lawn and beds of plants, the lat- as contributions to the fulness of his con- ter being in many cases the working col- ceptions. For many years he read large- lections of the propagator for there are ly to doubt and disprove, for his experi- many enclosures of small area which ence and observation led him to different contain an almost incredible number of conclusions. This was only natural be- species. In one case, for instance, forty cause his work was in advance of the rec- species of golden rod are grouped for ords; but he still diligently sought for close study of their characteristic growth gleams of truth available to him in and bloom, while in another a large col- current scientific literature and was lection of sedums is massed as "mother strengthened and encouraged thereby. plants" of new races of their kind. All Mr. Burbank never surrounded him- the world makes contributions to these self with elaborate appliances of re- study tables of Mr. Burbank, and the vis- search because he believed that he was itor to the home takes particular delight dealing with very simple propositions. in them. Upon the lawn are various By patient search through the infinite trees, the chief being an ivy-clad dracoena variety of manifestations, which ap- and a towering araucaria. Contiguous peared in connection with each experi- to the dwelling are greenhoiises, potting mental effort, he saw principles and laws shed and barn—exceeding in cost and im- revealing themselves so clearly that he pressiveness the- owner's house, which is could reach their demonstration with the an orthodox arrangement for farm struc- naked eye and hand. For such a gifted tures. Along the street front are six seer neither weird altar fires, nor incense trees of great beauty, a hybrid of Eng- cloiid, nor ecstatic state could add to in- TibbiUi, photo MR. BUEBANK AMONG HIS FLOBAL FRIENDS MAN, METHODS AXD ACHIEVEMENTS 11

sight. He could nection with this writing will give the hear the "still physiognomical reader opportunity for small voice" with- original analysis. He is of medium stat-

out preparatory ure and rather slender form ; light eyes earthquake or and dark hair now rapidly running to whirlwind. Like silver. His countenance is very mobile, David of old he lighting up quickly and as quickly re- could do his work ceding to the seriousness of earnest at- with smooth peb- tention, only to rekindle with a smile or bles from the relax into a laugh, if the subject be in l)rook; and he the lighter vein. He is exceedingly quick cast aside the elab- in apprehension, seeming to anticipate

I >rate armament of the speaker but never intruding upon his scientific his speech. There is always a sugges- brethren lest it tion of sh3'ness in his manner and there should impede his is ever present a deep respectfulness. movements. Mr. Those who do not know him well may Burbank's meth- easily misinterpret this as reserve or pre- ods and results are occupation. These characters are notably a new illustration absent in the man. He is frank, open- of the old truth hearted and outspoken, though all these that great discov- traits must be sought beneath the cover eries are often of his reticence. All his actions are art- made with the less and quiet; even the modulations simplest means. of his voice follow the lower keys. He The victory in- talks freely, confidently and enthusias- tically of his Mii. BCRBANK IN cHAEAc- licrcs iu tlic mau, work to one who manifests interest in it, but says little of his own relation it. atus. Some intimations of this fact may to This is merely because his personality appear later, in connection with the dis- appears to him as incidental cussion of his methods. to the work rather than one of its lead- The simplicity of Mr. Burbank's home ing factors. and surroundings is a manifestation also Those who meet Mr. Burbank but cas- of his simple tastes and requirements. ually are prone to err in their Judgment He is generous in his expenditures, of him. They are apt to magnify his ret- broad in his views and a lover of the best icence until they see in it timidity, self- in all lines he pursues, but such has al- depreciation, inexperience, embarrass- ways been the nature of his work and his ment and the like. All these forms of associations that high living has not in- weakness are absent from the man. He truded upon his horizon. All its hoUow- is self-confident but not self-assertive. ness and ostentation would be hateful to He is fearless and not to be easily turned him, but so liberal is his view and so from the way he expects to go, but he tender his regard for the tastes and de- does not insist that others shall go his sires of others that he would be forgetful way. He seldom errs in his Judgment of of condemnation. The simple life and men and he usually gives the loud and home environment of this Ynan, whose effusive visitor the right of way in con- name is so widely honored, are not main- versation, studying him meantime with tained as a rebuke to those who adorn a wondering eye. Even from this defen- their successes with luxurious surround- sive state into which he is thrown, quiet ings and strive for social efhinence as repartee will occasionally come to show wider recognition of that success. All that he is holding an upper hand and such things are absent from his thought, suffering neither from embarrassment either to possess or to condemn them. nor inexperience. To one whom he ad- mits to the inner circles of his friendship Of Mr. Burbank's personal appearance he is a most delightful man. To such little need be said. The ample portrait- he shows strength, self-trust and wonder- ure which the publishers provide in con- ful resources of mind—all these master- :

12 LUTHEK BURBA NK

fill traits, however, being ruled by a a nature more full of absolute sweetness. He is absolutely honorable in every way and is spirit of exquisite tenderness toward all honest to a fault. He lives, what is termed in and unbounded charity for their men the parlance of the day. a strenuoiis life, far beliefs and actions. For his few close too much so for his physical endurance. He friends he has a depth of affection and is an intense man, a man who carefully plans gratitude and self-denying devotion for results and then works for their fulfilment with a patience that exceeds that of Job are with. which seldom met Upon their himself. It may be a question of years to views of the man, from the advantage of arrive at a single result. Necessarily before the closest acquaintance, must the public arriving at success in seeking to accomplish a given result, he must meet with many form its conception of him. One well- failures, but nothing seems to daunt him known Californian, Mr. S. F. Leib of until success finally crowns his efforts. San Jose, president of the Board of In disposition Mr. Burbank is an op- Trustees of Stanford University, stands timist. He is filled with enthusiasm nearer to Mr. Burbank by the ties of full which lacks nothing of strength and knowledge and reciprocated affection warmth because its manifestation is al- than any other man. To him Mr. Bur- ways ruled by the characteristic quiet- bank delights to acknowledge debts of en- ness of the man. Optimism is the force couragement, stimulation and incentive which underlies his self-confidence and which have sustained him and carried his great expectations; it sustains him through the periods of depression him through the most protracted effort and which come to all lone workers. At the enables him to seize strongly upon slight writer's request Mr. Leib pays this ex- indications of progress. Optimism en- pressive tribute to his friend ters into his most fundamental concep- Friendship has arisen between us which tions and imparts courage to pursue makes us like brothers. I think I know as nearly the innermost part of his life as any them. Without optimism he could not other man in existence. I have never known think of his work ; much less achieve it.

IN THE BUKEANK EXPERIMENTAL GARDE.N MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 13

From his optimism proceeds enthusiasm, It is not in that class. It is comparable, but his temperament saves him from be- rather, with scientific discovery, for ing an enthusiast. His imagination is which nations, institutions or wealthy ample and varied in its richness, but the individuals lavishly provide; and the keenness of his insight frees him from demonstration that a man can pursue visions and fallacies. It is true that his his quiet course amid discoveries fit to traistfulness and tenderness have at times craze an ordinary enthusiast, and can been misplaced and he has experienced command money enough to meet the disappointments and sorrows, but these large expenditures necessary to original have added to his worth as a man by investigation, work and experiment upon their refining and softening influences. so large a scale, entitles Mr. Burbank to Disciplined by his exf>erience he has high rating as a business man. He had learned well the lesson that disappoint- no time to organize companies and cap- ment is incidental and not the conclu- italize his enterprises, nor to strive for sion of any valuable work, nor of any subsidies because of the vast public value true thought, and he will remain hope- of his achievements. He encouraged no ful, enthusiastic, self-reliant and force- promoters, he made no appeals to those ful to the end. who have influence with governing Mr. Burbank is a better biisiness man hoards or legislatures. So far as the than one usually finds among optimists. writer knows he never asked a favor in As already suggested, he came to Cali- the way of support or influence, though fornia with scant resources and with the air has been filled with suggestions some responsibilities. He began forth- along such lines, from his friends. He with to establish himself and to lay the undertook his campaign like an adven- foundation for the greater work which turous general who strikes into the heart he held steadily in mind and for which of an unknown region, confident in his he knew considerable funds would be re- own purposes and strength and resolved quired. He secured land and entered to command his supplies from the coun- upon a nursery enterprise, fortunately try traversed. Of course, he could not Just at a period when great fruit-plant- stop for the development of enterprises. ing fervor prevailed and good prices His purpose was conquest of the un- were paid for trees. He accumulated known. He is emerging now into the money rapidly and made investments in full sunshine which gilds the brows of real estate which have, on the whole, conquerors, and the country he has trav- proved satisfactory, though they had to ersed is open to development of incalcu- take the tortuous path to which such lable richness. ventures are generally born. The net This achievement demonstrates Mr. result of his financiering is a compe- Burbank's possession of unique power tence fit to cover the moderate require- and resources. Confidence, self-contain- ments of his modest living to its end. ment, conservative commercial ability, In this respect, Mr. Burbank departs uncompromising rejection of speculation from the usual course of optimists in in his own glittering commodities, gen- science and invention and secvires re- tle declination of all suggestions of spectable standing as a business man. It eleemosynary appeals to the public—all is also a sign of business ability that the these are characteristic of his progress. last decade, which has been wholly given He stands today, as he has always stood, to his chosen work of creation of novel- a man great enough to cherish great ties of a most striking character, as will ideas and to attain results without allow- be shown later in these papers, has ing the heart flutters of satisfaction or brought income equal to the great cost of the promptings of ambition to lighten the work. his pressure upon the solid ground of According to commercial standards, safe and secure advancement along his the wonderful production which Mr. chosen course. Burbank has achieved should have yield- It is probable that every man of bal- ed him wealth, but the man with the ance and force feels satisfaction and a ledger should remember that commercial just pride in the possession of such pow- profit is not the measure of such work. ers and does not enjoy belittlement of 14 LUTHER BURBANK

Upon the laicn are various trees, the chief being an ivyclad dracoena and a towering araucaria them. Mr. Burbank rightly feels that indefinite expansion under his direction, the suggestion that the public ought to by multiplying agencies to work out his provide for his work is too often a re- suggestions, is a somewhat different flection upon his own ability to provide proposition, and will be considered in for it. He is pained by disclosures of another connection later. that point of view in the eyes of his In spite of the strength which that friends, and they have wounded his deli- proposition discloses .at first glance, cate sensibilities by what seemed to them fuller consideration of it begets a doubt complimentary allusions. The claim whether, indeed, Burbank might not that his work ought to be assumed by the mean less to coming generations as a government or by an institution in the sidelight to a bureau than as a lone star public interest, because it is capable of glowing in the horticultural horizon. M A N . M E T H D S A X D A C H 1 E V E M E X T S 15.

Christopher Columbus, from a central holding to fallacies in recognizing prin- otRce at Cadiz, with ample funds and tel- ciples which he had fully demonstrated ephonic connection with all the ports of in his own researches and experiments. Europe, could have ordered voyages of Conservatism, in fact, almost claimed discovery to all points of the compass that he was making a travesty of science and have placed every continent and for the amazement of the horticultural island on the map in a few years. The gallery. world would have found itself and have All through this affliction, Mr. Bur- lost its hero. The devotion to conviction bank has been patient, never taking up and the heroic struggle of Columbus, the pen except to correct some miscon- and the picture of him as, in the mo- ception of the science involved in his ment of his triumph, he fell iipon his work. He was strong in his faith that knees on the shore of the new world, judgment of his motives and methods have been, for more than four centuries, would ere long be Just, and he was will- a sublime incentive and example. From ing to wait, but he became restless when these the world has realized vastly more any one proclaimed limitations in na- than if Columbus, as chief of an inter- ture which he knew did not exist. But national bureau of discovery, had won though Mr. Burbank bore, in his quiet, the ultimate acre of existing land. It is serious way, the burdens of distrust and not what is given to men, but what they misapprehension which fall usually to are incited to do for themselves, that the lot of those who extend the frontiers makes for exaltation and progress. The of human knowledge, it has been his world has unfolded as civilization has good fortune to realize relief sooner than risen to use new areas. Plant devel- many other frontiersmen in science. He opment is one of the phases of civiliza- submitted his novel achievements freely tion, and it jnakes new conquests as they for expert judgment. He gave the full- are needed in the onward rush of man- est information of their origin and de- kind. We are now at the beginning of velopment. He cordially welcomed those an epoch of accelerated motion in this in whose Judgment and intelligence he direction. Burbank is the prophet of had confidence to full examination of this epoch. Obeying the command of all his materials and practices, and peo- the Infinite, he is carrying the gates of ple from all parts of the world satisfied Gaza. Let not the Delilah of modern or- themselves of his honesty and frankness ganization shear him of his god-given as well as of the wonderful novelty and strength and make him like other men. originality of his accomplishments. Current conceptions of Mr. Burbank Probably the last doubt of Mr. Bur- involve errors more or less serious. Con- bank's genuineness passed from the aca- servatism, as embodied in eiiorts at hy- demic mind when the assembling in San bridization along what are called scien- Francisco, in 1899. of the Association of tific lines, has not hesitated to place him American Agricultural Colleges and Ex- on the plane of charlatanry, while cred- periment Stations irave a large group of ulous people have lifted him to what scientific men from all parts of the coun- seems to them an exalted state of won- try an opportunity to critically examine der-working magic and wizardism. him and his work on his own grounds at He has worked through a country not Santa Eosa and Sebastopol. The re- yet officially surveyed, above the path- ports which these visitors published, way of the contemporaneous scientists, through many channels at the east, were and it is not wonderful, then, that they eloquent of doubts removed and demon- should fail to recognize him for a time. strations accepted. Since then, as Confident of his earnest desire to read though to atone for the errors of the nature aright and convinced of the ac- past, distant comments upon Mr. Bur- curacy of the results of his patient efforts hank and his work have been most cor- in this direction, he has been hurt in his dial and appreciative. sensitive spirit by what seemed to be aca- An opposite phase of Mr. Burbank's demic distrust of him. Comments have experience is found in the admiration of K been made by recognized authorities those who have looked upon his achieve- which seemed to charge that he was ments as involving superhuman elements.

M AN. il E T H D S AND ACHIEVEMENTS 17

They early proclaimed liim the "Wizard which are manifestly within his com- of Horticiilture."' Nothing but his ex- mand. One of these is literary effort. treme amiability enabled him to under- Aside from his announcements of fin- go the imputation of Witchcraft which ished w'ork which have already been men- the term implies. He accepted epithets tioned, he has written three papers for of this character as merely conveying public occasions. In these he disclosed a the popular acknowledgment that his depth of thought, originality of concep- achievements were wonderful. No one tion, tenderness of sentiment, and withal knew better than he how new and won- a breadth of view, which were something derful they really were, and, in his meas- of a surprise to those who had only ureless kindness of heart, without pro- thought of him as an indiistrious and test he allowed all people to speak of skilful plantsman. In these writings them in the terms which seemed to them his conception of the nature of the most appropriate. Some of his friends plant and of the relation of the mind doubted the wisdom of this course. They of man thereto, are stated, not only \\ould have approved a mild rebuke up- with clearness, but with charming lit- on those who seemed to cast a shade erary style. \ipon the genuineness of his efEort by In what has been written about Mr. applying to him epithets which pertain Burbank there have been full tributes to to fakirs, and it may be that his seeming his industry, the breadth of his work acceptance of the terms encouraged the and of the patience of his pursuit of his impression of the academicians that he achievements, but in his own writings might be, indeed, a man of visions and we have an intimation, such as we have fallacies. But in the end it matters lit- never had before, of the richness and tle. The universal acknowledgment now keenness of his imagination, without that he is working with wonderful in- which all his other qualities would fail dustry and insight for the demonstration of fruition. Here lies his creative fac- of new truth and the application of it, ulty, and it is not unlike that which has makes it of little moment whether the given the world its great poems and term, "Wizard of Horticulture," was em- works of art. The world recognizes Mr. ployed in admiration or interrogation. Burbank as a great man for what he ac- In both cases it has outlived its useful- complishes; it is waiting to grant him similar honor for what he thinks. The relation of his thought to his methods Mr. Burbank has been too fully oc- and achievements will appear later in cupied with the chief work of his life to the discussion of those branches of our develop other lines of talent and taste subject. SECOND PAPER— METHODS

from pholographs hij M'lUium Shan . Hiinta Rusa, California EVER since Mr. Burbank's now ers, a correct conception of the constitu- fruits and flowers began to at- tion of the universe, involving the rela- tract attention there has been the tion of the mind of man to the phenom- keenest anxiety to learn his methods. ena of Nature, is the very starting point. The wildest reports have been current All aims, purposes and methods in orig- and the ordinary person has been ready ination of new plants are conditioned to believe that either some tricks of hor- upon such a conception, and Mr. Bur- ticultural juffo-lery were practiced, or at bank, deeply conscious as he is of this least some profound secret was relied fact, could not lose sight of the^philos- upon to secure the wonderful results. ophy which actuates his efforts. He met I To those who held such lieliefs it seemed a perverse generation seeking after a clear that a revelation from Mr. Bur- sign, but he could give them no sign, ex- bank was a thing to be most ardently de- cept such as they could descry in the sired. This idea largely prevailed in the very nature of things with which they invitation extended to him, by the Amer- had to deal. f ican Pomological Society, to prepare an A little more definite statement of his essay on "How to Produce New Fruits view of the relation of plant nature to and Flowoi's," for its meeting in Sacra- human insight and effort is found in an- mento in 1895. The announcement of other of Mr. Burbank's public utter-

his consent thereto was widely taken to ances : ___^ mean that Mr. Burbank would make The chief work of the botanists of yester- public his methods of wonder-working. day was the study and classification of dried, shriveled plant mummies whose souls had The audience was alert to catch every fled, rather than the living, plastic forms. word of the anticipated recipe. Here They thought their classified species were are a few of the ingredients: more fi.xed and unchangeable than anything in heaven or earth that we can now imagine. f In pursuing the study of any of the univer- We have learned that they are as plastic in sal and everlasting laws of Nature, whether our hands as clay in the hands of the potter relating to the life, growth, structure and or color on the artist's canvas, and can readily movements of a giant planet, the tiniest plant be molded into more beautiful forms and or of the psychological movements of the colors tlian any painter or sculptor can ever human brain, some conditions are necessary hope to bring "forth. * » * The changes before we can become one of Nature's inter- which can be wrought with the most plastic preters or the creator of any valuable work forms are simply marvelous, and only those for the world. * * Preconceived no- who have seen this regeneration transpiring tions, dogmas and all personal prejudice and before their very eyes can ever be fully con- bias must be laid aside: listen patiently, vinced.* quietly and reverently i . lessons, one by one, which jMother Natmv i.as to teach, shed- In this connection it woiild not be ding light on that which was before a mys- wise to go beyond this mere suggestion tery, so that all who will may see and know. of the philosophy underlying Mr. Bur- She conveys her truths only to those who are passive and receptive * * accepting truths bank's work. The words, "eternally un- as suggested, wherever they may lead, then stable in form, eternally immutable in we have the whole universe in harmony with substance," which he delights in quot- us. * * * At last man has found a solid ing, disclose his conception of the wel- foundation for science, having discovered that Nature extends to those who lie is part of a universe which is "eternally come which unstable in form, eternally immutable in work diligently and intelligently for new substance."* forms. It is a broad view, of course. It Some of Mr. Burbank's hearers were recognizes no limitations nor classifica- rather disappointed when he gave them tion barriers, except as they arise in the philosophy instead of prescription. They mind of man, and then they are indica- were surprised to be told that, in the tions of narrowness in man and not in work of producing new fruits and flow- the Creative plan. Mr. Burbank is dis-

•I'roceedinKS of tlie American Pomological So- •Essay at Floral Congress in San Francisco: ciety, 1895, page 50. Pacific Rural Press, July G. lOol. MAN, METHODS AND A C H I E V E il E N T S 19 posed to insist streiniousl)' on his view \'ation in his chosen field, is a gem of of Nature, and it has been an inspiration many facets, shooting bright gleams of in all his work. significance through all the many phases of his work and revealing opportunities Having established in his own mind apparent only to his trained perceptions. this natural tendency to variation, by Selection, to i\Ir. Burbank, is a constantlv

THE FEENCH PliUKE .IND ITS OFFSPKING, THE GIANT PEUKE wide reading of the great works on evo- lution and by a wider COTerience in in- uufolding principle. It excited his stances of variation in ^nt life than youthful interest and curiosity; it en- has ever fallen to the lot of any other grosses the deepest thought and employs man, Mr. Burbank naturally looks upon the finest arts of his manhood; it will artificial selection as the chief agency irradiate his last glance at earthly scenes. through which his many achievements Selection is, then, a first and last art have been attained. All the methods by in the development of new forms of which variation can be induced or pro- plant or animal, interesting or useful to moted are merely avenues through which mankind. With the founders of civiliza- forms are led to the bar of selection. Of tion it was selection of the results of nat- course, selection is an old art. It was ural variation which seemed desirable; practiced even in prehistoric civilization, Mith the beginner of the present day it because history begins with improved is usually the same. Mr. Burbank be- forms of plants and animals. But one gan that way and it became the first of " can readily see that selection, in the his methods..,- ;was his fortune that hands of a man of Mr. Burbank's broad one of his eaiiiest achievements proved conceptions and almost illimitable obser- so notable. In his youth the older va-

FOUE OF THE OLD STANDARD VAEIETIES AND ONE OF THE NEW L U T H E K B IT H B A N K

-seedlings capahlc jf huddiiuj or i/yuftiiiij ore introdueetl to the foreinij

influocc of i Id plants of the same class rieties of potatoes gave clear signs of selection, in its simplest form, was the degeneration and interest was keen for first of Burbank's methods. Thus for- better varieties. Many were striving for tune, in her most generous mood, decreed them and splendid resiilts had been se- that one of the boy's twenty-three seed- cured. He cast his twine line and pin lings should be notable, that, in after hoolc in the same waters. He planted a years, the man might have courage to lot of Early Rose potatoes in his mother's burn over sixty thousand plants of one garden in Massachusetts and watched kind at one time because none of them for the seed balls in which his possibili- were notable. ties would be enclosed. Varieties of po- But, though artificial selection, prac- tatoes, with vegetative energies diverted ticed simply upon the forms resulting by by long multiplication from the tuber, natural variation, may do for the boy- become scant in seed production. On hood of the race or the individual, it is the whole patch young Burbank found only a beginner's art in either case. As but a single seed ball, and watched its there is progress in mastery of the art, growth day after day with anxious in- there must be richer material for its ex- terest. One morning it could not be ercise. Nature has her sportive disposi- found and the youth was crushed in tion under control; she has developed spirit. After a time the thought came character; old allurements have lost to him that possibly some dog bounding their force ; she must be given new through the patch had dislodged the temptations to lightness. Herein lie Mr. precious seed ball, and the ground was Burbank's chief methods. In their es- searched. It was soon found some feet sence there is nothing new ; but the dar- away from its parent stem. Twenty- ing, the subtlety, the volume and the pa- three small seeds were well developed. tience with which they have been pur- From one of them came the Burbank sued have never been equaled, or even potato which gave its originator his first approached. grasp upon fame, and exerted an influ- ence in determining his life work. Thus, To create a disturbance in those parts A WHITE BLACKBERRY ONE OF MR. BDEBANK'S MOST STARTLING ACHIEVEMENTS Sliaic, Photo, Haiita Rosa, Cal. :

22 LUTHER B U E B A N K

wealth forms of the plant world which he chooses for tor finds himself with a of new which is almost as discouraging to select his operations is one of Mr. Burbank's from as. in the first place, it was to induce first aims ; to shape the form and direc- the plant to vary in the least.* of that disturbance is another; to tion Mr. Burbank's comments are given at select, the myriad manifestations of from such length, in part to emphasize the disturbance, those forms which pos- snch importance he attaches to this very old or other sig- sess new beauty, usefulness, and very simple method of securing new nificance to mankind, is the ultimate plants. Of course, the penetrating reader motive of his effort. will see that, though the method is sim- It is an old experience of mankind ple, the application of it affords oppor- that plants and animals are changed in tunity for insight, for keen discrimina- form and habit by transfer from native tion, for acute perception of slight ten- wildness to domestication. Relief from dencies in variation and for patient the old struggle and enjovTiient of what work, beyond description. But all these ]nay be called care and comfort promote would fail of notable results were they the wild state variation is variation. In not actuated by a true conception of repressed, because only those excep- what is desirable—an ideal toward the tional variations which minister to sijc- attainment of which every effort is di- cess i"n the struggle survive. In the cul- rected. tivated state variation is not measured of dis- by this cruel standard. This fact is of Beyond the elementary forms constant value in Mr. Burbank's work, turbance in plant life which pertain to and the importance which he attaches changes in environment lie the methods to cultivation and domestication, as a which are popularly looked upon as more method in his work, cannot be better told wonderful, viz., crossing or hybridiza- exposi- than in his own words tion. AVithout attempting any tion of the results of this act, for they Tliere is not one weed or flower, wild or both domesticated, which will not. sooner or later, are amply set forth in the literature respond liberally to good cultivation and per- of science and horticulture, it may be sistent selection. What can be more delight- briefly suggested that Mr. Burbank has ful than to adopt the most promising indi- two main purposes in his recourse to vidual from among a race of vile, neglected cross pollenation. One is to promote dis- weeds, down-trodden and despised by all ; to see it gradually change its sprawling habits, turbance, or, as it may be stated, to up- its coarse, ill-smelling foliage, its insignifi- set the equilibrium which has been es- cant blossoms of dull color to an upright tablished in the plant. Seedlings from plant with handsome, glossy, fragrant leaves, cross-bred parentage show wide range iilossoms of every hue and with fragrance as pure and lasting as could be desired. * in variation, while the seedlings from Weeds are weeds because they are jostled, cither parent without crossing may rarely crowded, cropped and trampled upon, scorched depart from the established type. When, by fierce heat, starved or, perhaps, suffering therefore, something more than can be with cold, wet feet, tormented by insect pests or lack of nourishing food and sunshine. secured by change of environment is de- Most of them have no opportunity for blos- sired, crossing is resorted to. The re- soming out in lu.xurious beauty and abun- sult is conflict between the dominant dance. A few are so fixed in their habits traits of the ancestry, and while these that it is better to select an individual for adoption and improvement from a race which champions contend and, perhaps, disable is more pliable. This stability of character each other, other traits of remote ances- cannot often be known except by careful trial, try, long held in bondage by these dom- therefore members from several races at the inant traits, rush to the front and dis- same time may be selected with advantage; the most pliable and easily educated ones play their old prowess in some of the will soon make the fact manifest by showing offspring of the unwonted parentage.- a tendency to "break" or vary slightly or, Thus, there is spread before the progajt- perhaps, profoundly, from the wild state. gator a new field, rich in strange formi Any variation should be at once seized upon endowed with strange characters, upo: and numerous seedlings raised from this in- dividual. In the next generation, one or which he applies the underlying prin several even more marked variations will be ciple of selection, wisely or otherwise, almost certain to appear, for when a plant according to the depth of his insight and once wakes up to the new influences brought the aeutencss of his perceptions. to bear upon it. the road is opened for endless

improvement in all directions, and the opera- Address before Floral Congress. loc. cit. THE SHASTA DAISY AND ONE OF ITS PARENTS, THE EASTERN OX-ETE DAISY LUTHER B U E B A N K

to describe manipulation. When it was stated that he gathered pollen by buck- ctsful and pollenated with gangs of Chinese armed with dredges and bel- lows, he regarded as a Jest what, no doubt, some credulous jjeople believed. It is pertinent, therefore, that a careful account of Mr. Burbank's pollenating methods be presented to the reader. The supply of pollen is generally se- cured by gathering a quantity of the anthers of the desired pollen parent, usually the day before the pollen is to be used, and dry- ing them carefully. When in

|:i roper degree of dryness, the ])ollen is secured by gently shak- ing or sifting the mass of dry :inthers over a watch crystal un- ril its siirfacc is dusted over with the ]X)lle]i, the dust film appear- ing most clearly on the lower j);irts of the curved surface. I';aeh genus, each species, and sometimes each variety requires IMPKOVED BEACH PLUM modifications A MARVEL OF PEOLIFICNESS which are suggest- ed by experience. The largest The other purpose in crossing is tlie quantity of blossoms of a single variety combination of characters so that the which My. Burbank has handled at one offspring may show, in one new entity, time is about a pint. He has found that the desirable traits of both parents, or, properly dried pollen ordinarily retains by continued crossing, accumulate such its efficacy about one week ; it might, traits from several ancestors. Of course, perhaps, in many cases retain its power bad traits are accumulated or intensified much longer. by the same process, so here asain selec- The jDrcparation of the blooms of the tion is invoked, with fullest powers, to seed parent consists in removing about escape the evil and secure the good. nine-tenths of the bloom buds when they In his crossing Mr. Burbank has gone begin to show the petal color, leaving, in beyond all old conceptions of affinity trees which bloom freely, about one in within lines of botanical relationship ten of the natural bloom to be operated and has secured startling results, but upon. This is for convenience of operat- mention of them pertains rather to the ing and to avoid the setting of too many discussion of his achievements than of seeds for the tree to properly perfect. his methods, and will appear in that Before the petals open, each of these later connection. biuls is carefully cut into with a small, What, then, are ilr. Burbank's meth- sharp knife blade, in such a way that the ods in cross pollenation or hybridizing? petals and a part of the sepals and all In this branch of his work the admiring the attached anthers are removed as the multitnde has scented magic and the con- knife makes its circuit, leaving the pis- servative scientist has suspected decep- tils exposed but uninjured by the opera- tion. Both have thirsted for informa- tion. The accompanying sketches will tion as to methods. The most absurd re- assist the lay reader to an understanding j.iorts have been current, which have de- of the process. The removal of the cor- ceived many. Mr. Burbank's public ut- olla balks the bees and other honey- terances have not given the details of his seeking insects, either by the loss of color work. In his few addresses it has seemed or by absence of alighting place, or both. to him more important to contend for The buzzing Archimedes finds no place the principles he had demonstrated than for his lever and wearilv goes his wav, MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 25

the honey unsipped and the pistil free sential, but, in many lines of human from contact with his pollen-dusted ett'ort, the "direct contact of the finger body. Mr. Burbank finds it, in most tip works wonders impossible with in- eases, unnecessary to cover termediaries. It is an interesting re- f^ the emasculated bloom to- flection that when Nature's direct avoid intrusion of undesira- agencies, the bustling bees, are put to flight, the human hand enters directly for man's specific purpose. Naturally, particular skill is acquired by long prac- tice, and some of Mr. Burbank's most trusted employes have done much of this work for years.

—the petals and a part of the sepaJs and all the attached an- The seed resulting from cross-pollen- thers are removed (enlarged) ated bloom is, of course, gathered with

great care ; seedlings lile pollen by insect agency. are grown, and the He chooses for pollenation closest watch is kept upon their char- acters and habits from germination on- the time when the first hum ward. The little seedling disclose of the bees is heard in the may its combined parentage or give sign that trees. He finds all conditions it has at that time most favorable, drawn up something from the pro- found depths of the converging streams and believes the pistil is then of its remote ancestry, long before it in its most receptive state. reaches blooming or fruiting The instrument of pollena- stage. Tokens which would escape the ordinary tion is the finger tip. Ap- observer become clear as milestones indi- plied to the dusted surface of the plate, either by a mere touch or a slight rubbing, enough pollen ad- heres. The finger tip is then quickly touched to the pistils of the prepared blossoms one after another. They wel- come the pollen and the fnictifying agency begins at once its journey to the EXLAKGED CROSS SECTION OF ovule. No matter what AN OPEN FLOWER, SHOWING THE PARTS REMOVED BY comes now, on the wind or THE KNIFE otherwise. The opportunity for outside pollen has y eating the life courses passed. The touch of the of the new plant to the finger has covered the stig- skilful propagator. The art of selec- ma with the chosen element tion begins, then, early in the devel- and sealed it safe from fur- opment of the crossbred plants. Incalcu- ther intrusion. lable numbers of them may be destroyed In his choice of for their too evident adherence to the old the unaided hand types, and only one or, perhaps, thou- as the instrument sands, be retained because they give of pollenation, Mr. promise of breaking away from such Burbank has not bondage. "Whenever such selected seed- only vastly simplified and lings are capable of budding or grafting made more expeditious the they are thus introduced to the forcing act of pollenation, but there influence of old plants of the same class Before the petals open, is also involved a and hurried to flower or fruit in this each of the buds is care- nrnfnundP^OJ-Ounu tvibufp well fully cut into with a uiuute known way. A single old plant or small, sharp knife Hade to the SUperioritv tree may thus force its sap into the cells ^° """^^ of the trained hand of hundreds of buds or grafts of new in directness and delicacy for what lies varieties, and can be conceived to be as within its unaided scope. Eecourse to surprised at the multitude of strange instruments and appliances is often es- forms and colors appearing on its old —

26 LUTHER BURBANK branches as a mother hen would be at hatch- ing a brood of bluejays. Upon the motle}' throng of flowers or fruits thus secured selection again is exercised — selection from all points of view

must pursue it faithfully, seiz- ing upon the slightest trend in that direc- tion. jSTo mat- ter if the plant with that precious endowment lacks vigor, seize upon it still. In- tensify the character de- sired and add vigor or other desirable qualities by later crosses or still further selec- What Nature's direct agencies, the hustling tions. But it is possible to bees, are put to flight develop these other qualities (See page 25) in other sets of the same plants, selecting each of the sets for a different end and thus preparing for combination later. While seeking any object it is desirable to raise a multi- and toward ends still tude of seedlings from the same cross, far remote, because to have a wider field in which to exer- desirable characters cise selection and to mviltiply the chances or traits may be dis- of a fortunate appearance. tributed through Take as illustration the group of many individuals. forms including one of Mr. Burbank's They must be combined and concen- most popular recent creations, the trated. Cross pollenation, now, between "Shasta Daisy." It was built upon a such individuals must be employed, and combination of the grace of the Japa- from this new shuffling of the cards nese, the tall, stiff stem and bold but another discriminating, patient effort coarse flower of the European and the for arrangement into suits or sequences. whiteness and abundant bloom of the It is a stupendous game of solitaire American species. After the combina- which the capable hybridizer plays among tion was effected size was secured by se- the innumerable forms, colors, odors, lection, but the bloom was flat, with large flavors, textures, growing, blooming and center; next, selection was made for

fruiting habits, which surround him as cup shape and superior whiteness ; next, his reward for disturbing the natural or- to secure doubling of the petals and to der of things in the plant world. Amid maintain size, and now a fully doiible this indefinite variety there must be in flower has been reached, of good size, but his mind no confusion. He is wise if he not quite so large as the largest single has had an object from the beginning variety. This work included numerous a conception of something new and desir- cross pollcnations and the growing of able, perhaps a definite combination of hundreds of thousands of seedlings, all objects to be attained. If he has a main of which passed beneath the quick eye of object, say a certain color in a flower, he Mr. Burbank in the process of selection. .

MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 2?

(From page 25) —the human hand enters directly for man's specific purpose

Anotlier illustration wide cross-breeding and combination is the new plum, "Alhambra." Upon the French prane was used, first, the pollen of a seed- ling which resulted from crossing the Kelsey with Pissardi, a bronze-leaved branch of the Myrabolana species. Upon the bloom of the offspring of this cross was used the pollen of an- other seedling grown from a cross of Simoni and Triflora, and, upon this off- spring, pollen from a cross of Americana and Nigra. One of the seedlings from this last cross yielded the fruit named Alhambra, a large freestone with many good points and notable as being the first perfect freestone with Japanese blood. It includes in its ancestry the blood of the three great races of plums, European, American and Japanese, and thirteen constant recurrence of years' work are included in its building the botanical characters be up. The pedigree of Alhambra may which all the ancestry graphically expressed as follows: contributes to the com- plex offspring, these char- Kelsey Pissardi (Myrabolana). acters often appearing so Froncli Prune. clearly as to be easily recognized at a Simoni x Triflora. glance, even by the most casual ob- Americana x Nigra server.

This writing has probably already wandered too far into the drouth of The letters, a, h, c, signify unnamed technical discussion to interest the gen- cross-bred seedlings which are included eral reader, and yet only a few hasty in the ancestry of the resultant Alham- outlines of methods have been given. To

bra. Mr. Burbank has quite a number fill in these outlines with the shading of plums with six crosses in their pedi- necessary to develop special features and grees, the parents, in manj' cases, being the perspective desirable to show the themselves the offspring of earlier mutual relations of the outlines would crosses. In the wide combinations thus require a volume. resulting selection has to deal with the Treatises on color and perspective can- LUTHER BURBANK

PARTIAL VIEW OF BURBAXK S TRIAL not make artists. There is, beyond the it grows with use. It needs no safe- material and method, the creative brain, guarding, for it cannot be stolen nor can which employs them in a way to excite it be given away. It is non-transferable, wonder and admiration. It is not other- just as are the mental penetration and wise with Mr. Burbank's methods. He grasp and the unflagging energy and in- has no secrets which he recognizes and dustry which, using all these methods guards as such. He has, of course, the and materials as creative imagination teachings of many years' experience and conceives their suitability, is compassing of observation keener, more penetrating achievements which are new and grand, and more patiently pursued than any both in science and horticulture. A other worker in his line can command. sketch of these achievements will be the He uses this endowment constantly and next undertakincr in this series.

THE BETTIFUL CUP-SHAFE AND DAZZLING WHITENESS OF THE SlIAST :

THIRD PAPER—ACHIEVEMENTS

from photuyraphfi hi; M'illiain Shaic^ Santa Rosa, Californi

come now to the division of In the account given of his life it was WEthese sketches of the life and intimated that although he began as a work of Luther Burbank which horticulturist and still remains an honor will seem to many the most interesting to the guild, Mr. Burbank's thought and and important. What has the man, en- work have passed beyond even the high- dowed as has been claimed, and follow- est levels of horticulture, known as hor- ing methods which have been outlined, ticultural science, into the domain of achieved for himself and for humanity? science itself. To be judged, then, by Obviously, it is premature to ask this his peers, men of science, as well as hor- question concerning one who is still so ticulturists, must review his achieve- young that it may be reasonably doubted ments through all coming years. Let us whether he has yet reached his greatest realize in advance this method of the wisdom and work; but what matters it. future, by an appeal to one upon the side if the present point of view be true, that of science, well acquainted both with the it command a beginning rather than an dicta thereof and with the work of Mr. ending ? In fact, there can be little more Burbank to briefly characterize him and accomplished within the necessary limits his achievements. For this purpose per- of these sketches than to disclose a point mission has been kindly granted to tran- of view—possibly to slightly assist the scribe from the manuscript notes of Dr. observer to occupy it—and then to trust W. J. V. Osterhout, assistant professor to his sight and discernment for appre- of botany in the University of Califor- ciation of relations and significance. nia, the following significant sentences There is in the work of Mr. Burbank, Mr. Burbank has become widely known to even at this point in his career, an array scientists by reason of the extraordinary in- terest and value of his work. Untrammeled of facts and a wealth of suggestion which by traditions, he has not hesitated to enter are almost overwhelming to one who has fields which the scientific worker would have head and heart for them. ignored. The value of his work in thus open-

Siberian Uaspberry

THE PIll.ML'S BEIiHY AND ITS PARENTS THE FIP.ST RECORDED FIXED SPECIES PRODUCED BT THE HAKD OF MAN !

30 LUTHER BURBA NK

ing lip new possibilities and stimulating re- from Dr. Osterhout, we can claim for search in these lines is immeasurable. Mr. Burbank achievement in science Not onlj' for stimulus, but also for methods will his of work, are we indebted to Mr. Burbank, A which forever link name with botanist, who is known for his researches on those whom the world counts greatest in plant hybridization carried on during the the interpretation of Nature, and as last twentj' years, was quite incredulous those only thus live who earn the right when told of Mr. Burbank's methods of work. great deeds, his will always After a visit to Santa Rosa, he confessed that by fame Mr. Buibank's skill was well nigh incompre- stand witness to his service. hensible, and that he had learned enough during the brief visit to compensate him for tlie journey from Europe. Having thus taken a sweeping glance Since the passing of the scientifie dogma through other eyes at Mr. Burbank's of the fixity of species, the study of varia- achievements from the point of view of tion has come steadily to the fore. We wish science, the horticultiirist returns to his to know not only what variations occur natur- standards of interest in with- ;illy, but what can be produced by various own them artificial means. I know no better student of oiit further reference to their value to variation in both aspects than Mr, Burbank. science. The scientific reader must de- Throughout long series of years he has a velop that aspect of the facts for him- been gathering plants from every quarter of self. themselves the globe. With patience akin to Darw*n"s Even the facts are so he has familiarized himself with this great varied and numerous that they defy enu- store of material growing under his eyes. He meration, and a few generalizations, has succeeded, to an extraordinary degree, in some of which involve many years of mastering the intricacies of variation in a close effort on the part of Mr. Burbank, very wide range of plants. By observation and intuitive insight he has gained wonder- are all that can be undertaken. ful knowledge of the nature of these plants, Let us look, first, at some general their possibilities and latent characters. As characters of fruits which he has dem- a result of his labors we have, at Santa Rosa, of a laboratory for the study of variation on a onstrated to be susceptible striking gigantic scale and a magnificent array of and valuable modifications, illustrating facts and discoveries of great value to science. by brief reference to specific achieve- The true scientist is not satisfied with de- ments. tails; he wishes to reduce them to formula", to general laws which shall vitalize knowl- 1. Varieties have been secured which edge and provide for future progress. Such are prolific where the older sorts have a one finds in Mr. Burbank a kindred spirit, proved unsatisfactory. The intermin- seems discover great laws by flash who to a gling of the native American and Japa- of genius, such is the swiftness of his intui- nese species of plums, which has been a tion. His thought is so fresh and unhack- neyed that it is impossible to give an ade- leading line of Mr. Burbank's work, has quate impression of its suggestive arid vital- made it possible to grow luscious fruit in izing quality. From his unbroken study of various regions of the United States Nature he comes with a word of authority where the old species failed. Professor and power. In his ability to penetrate be- hind the facts to the laws which make facts Waugh of Vermont, speaks of the in- significant he resembles Darwin, whose spirit creased production east of the Rocky and method he exemplifies. mountains as remarkable, and adds: On the basis of this candid statement "The introduction of the hybrid plums MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 31

marks an epoch in plum culture."* And now in progress in the ennobling of the he traces the opening of this epoch to the '"beach plum"—prunus maritima. This introduction of two of Mr. Burbank's hardy savage never fails to bear every- creations. In the south, both on the At- where and is thrifty under most trying conditions of dry rocky or soggy, satur- ated soil, and its fruit, which is not much larger than a full-sized huckleberry, is also utterly worthless for anything but preserving. It blooms a month after other plums, but, by extra arrange- ments, eastern and Japanese plums were retarded so that their pollen held its vitality to be used in uplifting this dejected species. By many crosses it was proved to be possible to retain its wonderful productiveness, while tlie lowly bush assumed better foli- —Ihc tiuiohliny of the hcacli plum age, more upright form and fruit with lantic and Pacific sides of the country, really good flavor, which, while about the Japanese species and its hybrids are as large as an ordinary eastern plum, making plum growing successful where retains a seed as small as a cherry stone. the long-tried European varieties yielded This group of new fruits has bright failure and disappointment. This is colors, oval and round forms which strikingly the case in Southern Cali- are never flattened and have no suture. fornia. Most of the best varieties thus orig- ilr. Burbank is now working largely inated came, not from the first seed- on hardy varieties, and the effort will re- lings of the cross, but from seedlings of sult in securing luscious fruits where at them, or from the "second generation," present trying conditions destroy all but as it is called in plant breeding. Many small and often ill-flavored wildlings. A thousands of selected third-generation striking instance of this is found in work seedlings are being grafted this winter "PUims and Plum Culture." 1901, page (1902) for fruiting. These, by growth

PAETIAL VIEW OF MH. BURBANK'S TRIAL GROUNDS -a laboratorii for the study of variation on a gigantic scale 32 LUTHER B U K B A K K

and foliag'c, readily show that still more the frosts and the trees afterward show

, startling improvements have been pro- a full crop of fruit. This is, perhaps, an duced. observation never before recorded in The change in characters developed in fruit culture. a California wild plum—prunus sub- 2. A-^arieties have been produced cordata—is also notable. Some varieties which, by early and late ripening, pro- have been secured which are twice the long the fruit season three or tour size of the wild forms, greatly improved months. This has been done with plums, in quality and matchless in beauty of as varieties have been originated which coloring. The plant is also of larger ripen two or three weeks earlier than the growth and increased productiveness. cherry plum, the old standard of earli- Another very important undertaking ness, and others which do not reach ma- in the line of developing hardiness in the turity until the holidays. The same popular kinds of fruits lies in the direc- wide range is shown by Mr. Burbank's tion of frost-resisting blossoms. Mr. new grapes, descended from an Isabella Burbank has selected a class of Japa- sport of California origin, known as nese-American hybrid plums which seem Isabella Eegia. The parent is a large

to have iron-clad or steel-lined, frost-re- black grape ; its offspring are various in sisting blossoms. He has watched them colors and flavors. One is a white, seed- in all stages of bloom during seasons of less variety of exquisite flavor, which the heaviest frosts, morning after morn- ripens with the earliest of its class, and ing, and even when the petals would be another ripens for Christmas and New frozen and brown the first morning and Year's. These have been selected from the yoimg leaves frozen at the tips, the thousands of seedlings for their distinc- stamens and pistils would withstand all tive and startling characters.

The pineapple Quince^ suggesting the characteristic flavor of its namesake MAN", METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 33

Crussiny plums and apricots has i/ielded a distlnclivcly new kind of fruit which Mr. Burbank fitly names the "plum-cot"

Another phase of the elfort for the ex- year after the grafting of their seedling tension of the fruit season is to secure wood into older growths—that is, the varieties with long-keeping qualities, third year from planting the seed. In either on the tree or after gathering. Mr. the same degree, perhaps, this precocity Burbank has seedlings of the Wickson can be developed in other hard-wood and other plums which will remain on fruiting plants. Mr. Burbank has had the tree in prime condition for use for chestnuts in fruit in eighteen months six to nine weeks in hot weather, when from the time of the sprouting of the many of the older varieties collapse as seed, and the seedlings of these are found soon as ripe. generally to possess the same early bear- Development of varieties with partic- ing habits. ular times of ripening has also received 4. Surprising changes in the natural due attention. The Sugar prune with structure of fruits have been secured. the full density of juice of the Prune Perhaps the most notable is the elimina- d'Agen, twice its size and a month earlier tion of the shell inclosing the kernel in in ripening, is an achievement of world- which are called stone fruits. Mr. Bur- wide significance and in this condensed bank has a number of plum varieties of account must stand as an exponent of this character which are called "stone- much other work in creating varieties to less." The kernel is fully developed but meet definite needs in time of ripening. naked—no hard siabstance intervenes be- 3. Varieties have been produced tween it and the pulp. To take up a which show almost incredible precocity plum and bite through it without hesita- in bearing fruit. Mr. Burbank has tion requires education, so strong is the reached such wonderful results in his conception of the danger involved ; but wide experimentation that he is con- to bite freely and find the flavor en- vinced that precocity can be bred into hanced by the nutty savor of the kernel all plums so that they will show fruit as brings reward in the new sensation which early as seedlings of herbaceous plants the palate experiences. This is particu- like blackberries and strawberries. His larly the case with the stoneless prune. work for years has been in the line of en- The kernel of the French prune has. couraging this habit by selection, and he after cooking, a delicious and unique follows the practice of rejecting those flavor. To combine the flavors of pulp seedlings which do not fruit the second and kernel, to gain the nutritive projier- 34 LUTHEE BUKBANK

THE I'EACII-ALMOND A HTBRID OF WAGER PEACH AND LANGCEDOC ALMOND

ties of the latter and to escape the after taste suggesting the banana, in tedium and awkwardness of ejecting the marked contrast to the acridity which, in stone, constitute an advance in prune some plums, almost leads the palate to character and motive which it is diffi- regret preceding delight. cult to overvalue. Mr. Burbank has done 6. Radical changes in form and color this with the plum. There is every rea- have also wrought havoc with old forms son to think that adequate skill and pa- of speech. "Plum colored" and "plum tience would do the same thing with all shaped" may live as the memory of an stone fruits. Similar in kind would be old conception, but, judging by the wide the removal of the shell from the almond change in varieties chosen for planting, and walnut. Mr. Burbank is sure he they may soon pass beyond the possibility could do this in ten years if it were de- of proof, for in color plums now add all sirable, but the protective function of a the shades of the cherry to their former thin shell on a nut might make the range of hues. In form they have en- change of no practical advantage. tered the domain of the apple and the 6. The ranges of flavor and aroma in tomato and have inverted the conven- several fruits have been enriched and tional form of the pear. extended. The flavors which have, by 7. The foregoing results have been long experience, come to be regarded as attained by selection and by crossing characteristic, can no longer be relied within the limits of species and variety. upon, and the sense of taste alone has Still more surprising achievements have become an unsafe guide in identification. been reached by crossing friiits which be- The Asiatic element has brought to the longed to genera heretofore supposed to new plums most novel characters in be hedged about by impassable barriers. flavor and fragrance which, by combina- The crossing of plums and apricots has tion with the old, have wrought surpris- yielded a distinctively new kind of fruit, ing effects. In fact, a new scale of these which Mr. Burbank fitly names "the characters must be made by careful ob- plum-cot," and of which he has a num- servation and analysis. Mr. Burbank's ber of varieties. All have the general Bartlett plum has the flavor and frag- form and aspect of an apricot, but are

' rance of the popular pear for which it is more highly colored than either a plum named, and his Pineapple quince not or an apricot and have a skin uniquely only suggests the characteristic flavor of soft, with a silky down and a slight its "namesake, but it suggests also the bloom. The flesh in one variety is yel- apple by its tender flesh in both fresh low, but some of them have deep crim- and cooked form. His Climax plum fills son, pink and white flesh, and they are a room with fragrance like that of the both free and clingstone. The seed often pineapple, and in the same fruit striking resembles a plum pit, but not always. A deliciousness of flavor shades down to an rich line of flavors is developed which MAN. METHODS AXD ACHIEVEMENTS 35

bid fair to Ije a surprise to fruit eaters. hand-pollinated blossoms. Here, then, While the group of plum-cots is. per- was a receptive plant in isolated situa- haps, the most notable of the products of tion, and he proceeded to treat the crossing fruits of diiferent botanical blooms with pollen of apple, quince, genera, many other such crosses have pear, cherry, hawthorn, Chinese quince, been successfully made, not always, how- strawberry and a few others of the ros- ever, with results of value from a hor- acefP, and kept record of fruits and seeds ticultural point of view. While peach of each berry obtained. He saved all and almond crosses always give good the seeds, planted them in one plot, and bloom and fruit, the almond and plum secured over five thousand seedlings. crosses have only yielded monstrosities They were the strangest lot of plants in bloom, sometimes lacking stamens or ever seen. About nine-tenths of them pistils or petals, and no fruit has been grew shoots as smooth as an apple twig, secured. The peach and plum cross has and the other tenth had short prickles. never resulted in fruit. The apricot and Some had foliage like a raspberry, others Japanese plum cross is attended with like a strawberry, and others single difficulty and the results seem dependent leaves, like the apple or pear. The plants, upon varieties used. Seedlings from the for the most part, assumed rather an pear and apple cross never reach size, upright or tree-like form. Wliat won- and, so far, have never borne fruit. The derful novelties might be expected from

strawberry and raspberry cross, though such plants ! Disappointment dawned, blooming profusely, never bears fruit, however, when it was found that a large while the black raspberry and dewberry part gave no bloom, but those which cross always dies when it blooms. On blossomed had flowers various in size and the other hand, the blackberry and rasp- in all shapes from deep pink to white. berry crosses are usually good, and some Disappointment increased when only of those which have become popular, like two plants bore fruit. One was some- Phenomenal and Primus, are so fixed in what like a blackberry, but larger, with their type that they reproduce their com- posite characters from seed with more regularity than the accepted species of rubus as found in nature.

Let the reader now find relief from the categorical form of statement in the story of an experiment in which the achievement consisted in the les- sons of a failure. Alioiit ten years ago Mr. Burbank, having fresh in mind the results in ci'ossing what are usually con- sidered non- related forms (such as we have mentioned and many others like them) by the hun- dreds of instances, began to think that the limit of possi- bility in crossing had hardly been approached and decided to prospect over a wide range. He chose a plant for a seed parent which would not intrude fruit from its own self-fertilized bloom. Such a plant is the na- tive California dewberry. He placed a plant in the middle of a ten-acre lot, remote from others of its own kind, and found that it bore no fruit except on ONE OF MR. BURBANK S HYBRID BLACKBERRIES 36 LUTHER B U K B A ^-^ K

Quite in contrast with the foregoing is the record of achievement with the flowering currant of the Pacific coast (Ribes-sanguineum), which is quite popular abroad as an ornamental plant. Mr. Burbank considered it susceptible of improvement. To start with the hard- iest form, he secured plants from far up the coast, in British Columbia, and gave it the opportunity to respond to generous care and cultiva- tion. He soon found varia- tion iipon which to practice selection, and in this way secured larger size and more brilliant color of bloom. He noticed also that the plant was disposed to show varia- tion from the scantily borne, small ruit full of large, angular seeds, and so deficient in pulp that distinctive flavor could hardly be discerned. Un- der selection and cultivation there came, in unusually long clusters, large andsome blackberries so covered with dense bloom as to appear white when ripe, with lessened toughness of skin, fewer and smaller seeds, great increase of pulp and improvement of flavor. Thus the same series of careful selections has a unique flavor and pale color; the other, yielded strikingly better flowers and of a similar general appearance but more fruits of both earlier and later ripening nearly globular, was of a dark mulberry and borne on more sturdy and compact color. Disappointment culminated when bushes. Other generations of the plant the closest scrutiny showed that neither will be grown before introduction to the of the fruits had any seeds. Observation public. In addition to these results by of the growth seemed to indicate that selection a cross has been secured be- some startling crosses had been secured, tween the foregoing and another native b\it as there was no seed from which sec- currant from near San Francisco (Ribes ond generation revelations could be sanguineiim var. ghitinosum). The vast gained and no fruit which promised to number of seedlings secured vary ex- be of horticultural value, the ground was ceedingly, and there is promise of unique cleared and the cost of the large experi- and valuable new fruit in fact, it would ment charged to the experience account. — not be surprising to attain size and qual- This account runs into many figures, ity of fruit, beauty of bloom and strong but the result is wisdom. In one year growth, all superior to any currant now Mr. Burbank burned up sixty-five thou- in cultivation. sand two and three year old hybrid seed- ling berry bushes in one grand bonfire, Another satisfactory excursion into and had fourteen other grand bonfires the unknown is found in Mr. Burbank's of similar size on his place the same sum- plum and cherry crossing. This cross mer. JiTst after fruiting time the un- is readily made, and fruit is borne abun- worthy are destroyed, and it is not dantly. A decidedly new element was strange that Mr. Burbank should be introduced by having the evergreen cher- known to some of his wondering neigh- ries of the Pacific coast, both the local bors as "the man who used to have a species, Prunus illicifolia, and a Mexican big nursery, but now raises acres and species. These have been found to cross acres of stuff and every summer has it readily both with deciduous cherries and all dug up and burned." with plums. Fruits of this ancestry are MAN, METHODS AXD ACHIEVEMENTS 37 still under trial, and are promising. Pears and apples have yielded less The cherry-like fruits of the elaeagnus notable results than other fruits. With are also being brought forward into truer great patience for eight years apple cherry character. The bush has been seedlings were grown, the seeds of each cleared of its thorns, its form improved variety separately, and the seedlings and its vigor increased. The main pur- afterward grafted into separate trees. pose, to enlarge and improve the quality About half the cases showed crossing, of the fruit, which is produced in sur- half did not. The second generation did prising abundance, has also been at- not show promising variation. Apples tained to a notable degree. There is a are by nature very variable, with a strong prospect that it may be as good as a tendency to revert to wild forms. Mr. cherry. Burbank believes they can be bred into Though Mr. Burbank has made and classes according to season, color or other named a few peaches of unique and es- character, but they do not show the plas- timable characters, he has as yet, in that ticity under breeding that other fruits direction, only looked into a field of won- do, and do not offer such desirable in- derful novelty and richness. He has dividual traits to the process of selec- crossed peaches and nectarines as far as tion. the fifth combination, and has secured In this sketch reference has been fine fruit, but not superior to that which chiefly restricted to the commoner kinds exists in the varieties separately. He of fruit as embodying the widest interest has, however, demonstrated that in the to the reader. Almost innumerable second and third generations there is a growths of obscurer origin and less re- wonderful tendency toward new forms; pTite are being carried along similar lines white peach seedlings have borne yellow- of ennoblement, which may lead them to fleshed nectarines with deep crimson eminence and great service to humanity. skin, while white and red nectarines have But the whole range of food plants con- borne white peaches in great variety in stitutes only half of Mr. Burbank's appearance, character and season of rip- sphere of activity. His achievements with flowers will next receive attention.

FOURTH PAPER ACHIEVEMENTS

Illustrations from photographs by William Shaw, Santa Rosa, Califomh

BURBANK'S achievements others, may seem somewhat at enmity ME.with flowers, which, from a hor- with the modern claim that close special- ticultural point of view, must be ization is the secret of depth in work. regarded as a wonderful elevation and But really there is no contradiction. Mr. ennoblement of floral growth, are a dem- Burbank's close specialization consists in onstration of the breadth of the man. He his conception of Nature as simple in has done more than any other man ever plan and principle and in his application did with fruits, and to this must be added of methods which embody the few prin- achievements greater than can be con- ciples which he descries. In this respect ceded to any other man with flowers. he is a most rigid specialist and the fact Others have accomplished wonders with that he uses hundreds of kinds of plants a single fruit or flower, or with small and millions of individual plants does groups of each or of both, but in his not militate against the wonderful con- breadth Mr. Burbank stands alone. That centration of his mind upon the simple, he could thus extend his effort and still but profound phenomena which unfold retain the marvelous penetration which under his eye and hand. That he can do has enabled him to bring from profound- this; that he can recognize and employ est depths wonders undreamed of by innumerable manifestations in the pur- —

38 LUTHER B U R B A N K

Evidently, then, Mr. Bur- liank lacks not full apprecia- tion of the esthetical and eth- ical influence of natural beauty and though our space limits will require us to discuss his lloral achievements from other points of view, it will be com- forting to remember that love incites his devotion to the en- noblement of flowers and light- ens his labors.

Mr. Burbank began his work with flowers in his old home in Massachusetts. At first he used the seedsmen's collections, testing, selecting and crossing them. He began growing east- ern wild flowers to gain better acquaintance with them. Soon after arrival in California in 1875, he began collecting seed of native plants for foreign patrons and this necessitated a HYBRID YELLOW CALLA close study of the plants, their times of blooming, etc. To his suit of his special purposes is wonder- percept ions thus sharpened there came ful because it is only possible through the possession of rare mental endowment and excep- tional industry, lighted and brightened b}' enthusiasm. Is aught more required for achievements with flowers '.

Yes, indeed ; the common mind will not accept insight and in- dustry as adequate equipment for true work with flowers. One must have sentiment rich, free and impulsive. Ardent love of flowers is a prerequisite to all cultural success. That Mr. Burbank is not lacking in de- votion, let his own words de- clare : "Who does not love flowers? For whom will not flowers make more sunshine ? Fowers from the hand of a loved one what sweeter, sunnier gift can be thought of? Flowers speak to us of poetry, music, life and love. Flowers always make people Ijetter, happier and more hopeful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul." IITBRIP MI.V, rnOLTFIC BLOOMING HABIT MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 39 imprL'Ssions of marvelous tendency now recognized in all parts of the world, toward variation in California. Strik- and so varied that brief writing cannot ing differences appeared in the same fully enumerate them, much less compass species grown under different condi- any adequate characterization. The at- tions of soil and climate; almost in- tempt must be made to convey striking credible differences, though the locali- facts concerning blooming plants which ties were not far distant from each other. are best known to the general reader and This observation not only suggested lines for this reason most widely interesting. of effort, but furnished incentive and en- One of the garden plants which Mr. couragement beyond anything he had ex- Burbank first took in hand was the glad- perienced at the east. Early also in Mr. iolus, which has long been a popular Burbank's experience there came the flower in California, but it had obvioiis thought to improve the popular garden defects; the stem was wind-whipped be- flowers, to enhance their charms and at- cause of its length and lank because tractiveness and to render them more thinly set with florets. Their petals, too, serviceable for various purposes. This were so scant in substance that they lost work faithfully pursued for a quarter of form and color in the face of the hot sun, a century has produced results which are the long spike becoming unsightly below.

NEW HYBRID AMABYLLIS FIVE-EItillTHS NATDRAI, SIZE : : —

40 LUTHER BURBANK wliile still newer bloom was expanding began very early with the amaryllis, when above. Mr. Burbank used the ganda- he was, in fact, too poor to buy bulbs, so vensis, a Belgic hybrid, for his founda- he took seed from all sources for a start. tion, and added later several species from Later he bought bulbs, paying as high as South Africa. After working ten years five dollars each in some cases. Thus, with perhaps a million seedlings, select- with seedlings of his own and with pur- ing first for endurance of sunheat and chased bulbs, he proceeded for ten years, wind, then for more colors and for clear- crossing in a small way and selecting ness, novelty and distinctiveness of hue, seed from the best types of flowers alone. and then for more compactness of bloom As his materials multiplied his aims ex- upon the spike, he reached a variety tended; he worked for more abundant which set florets with lasting petals all bloom and secured more flowers to the around the spike like a hyacinth and not scape and more scapes from the bulb; the single, fiat, side-bloom of the old then he sought more rapid multiplication forms, and the first of this type was pa- of bulbs and off-sets and greater precocity triotically named "California." Selected in bloom. This was a more protracted seedlings gave more of this improved efl'ort. Some bulbs at first gave five or type of bloom with better lasting quali- six new bulbs each year ancT they were ties, and more surprising shades and slow to change this habit. It was about with petal-substance thick and lasting so fourteen years before they took freely to that, to use Mr. Burbank's own appre- the expansion doctrine, but now Mr. Bur- ciative words bank's trial plots show, in some cases, ten "The first flower remains fresh to say to fourteen large blooming bulbs and good morning to the very last one to several ofF-sets each season around the Ijloom, even though the sun may be doing old bullj. At the same time the old bulbs

its best ; none of the older varieties can have increased in size so that it is com- stand such a test." mon to find them from two to six times That was in 1893, and soon afterward as large as in the older varieties. The the whole gladiolus stock found an ap- plants also produce seed which give preciative purchaser in Mr. H. H. Groff, bloom at half the age of seedlings of the the leading American specialist in that old types and the blooming season is also line, whose knowledge of Mr. Burbank's extended so that flowers can be had achievement with his favorite plant is nearly through the long California sum- outspoken. He ?ays mer. *"This coll'- Jon is the best strain of Of the flowers themselves words fail gandavensis * several with spe- to describe the forms and shades which cially stiff petals quite distinct from or- are appearing. In size they are grand eight to ten inches in is the dinary types ; the peculiarity of the flow- diameter ers blooming around the spike like the measurement of some of the best single * hyacinth was also his contribution * flowers; the petals are very broad and the vitality of the Burbank strain is re- overlapping, so that a very solid bloom is markable * * greater than that of produced. The coloring at this period of all the other strains of so-called Amer- their development is fully equal to any ican hybrids which constitute the prin- amaryllis known, the general form and cipal stocks of commerce on this con- size are all that can be desired. Vigor tinent." has been secured which not only is in- Nor does America constitute their field volved in the size, rapidity of multiplica- of victory; they are displacing other tion, large scapes and thick petals which strains in other parts of the world. have been mentioned, but gives the plants a strong constitution which resists par- In the ennoblement of the amaryllis asitic attacks. This vigor is also a strong his achievements are not only notable in foundation upon which the selection now themselves, but they illustrate well how in hand will proceed. The colors now in his work Mr. Burbank looks upon his prevalent are solid crimson or nearly own efforts from all points of view and pure white or wonderful combinations in endeavors to meet all considerations. He stripes of crimson, pink and white. Now comes the selection for clearness of color *H. H. Groff, in Cyclopedia of American Hor- iilture, page 647. and markings. In short, Mr. Burbank MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 11

tinguishable from the amaryllis by its longer perianth tube. The crinums are chiefly grown under glass, for the hardy species in northern climates are few. Mr. Burbank wisely conceived California con- ditions to be most favorable for uniting the charms of the greenhouse species with the hardiness of the open-air species to lead forth new forms which could be taught to endure garden exposures. At first he took up the training of his hardy parentage, choosing the Florida swamp lily (crinum Americanum) and for sev- eral years selected the finest seedlings that they might be best prepared for the high alliance he proposed for them. This estimable wildling of the Florida swamps and gardens showed that care, culture and selection would notably improve its growth, habit and bloom. Simultane- ously Mr. Burbank had growing in his greenhouse all the tender crinums he could secure, studying their different forms, colors and fragrance. Upon the bloom of the best hardy plants in the open air he used the pollen from the greenhouse varieties and splendid results were reached. Most beautiful flowers, improved in size and waxy whiteness, in breadth of petals and in fragrar.je ap- peared in large numbers upon stronger and more upright scapes and, best of all as events proved, the new- ones were has his amaryllis highly and deeply edu- hardy in the open air in California. The cated, but he will still add graces which achievement in view was ^complished. will make them irresistible in the eyes of Having thus carried t' amaryllis and the connoisseur. the crinum along similai lines of im- With this ambition for one of his fa- provement, each by itself, a cross of the vorite creations, however, their originator two was undertaken with strikingly sat- longs to have these new forms clustered isfactory results. The crinum was pol- around the cottage, as well as displayed lenated with amaryllis belladonna and a upon the broad lawns of the mansion. To true hybrid was secured with bloom rang- this end. the greater rapidity in the mul- ing from pure white to deep rose, inclin- tiplication of the bulb is a most import- ing to crimson. The flowering is not so ant contribution, for the prices now pre- abundant as with the improved crinums, vailing among florists for bulbs will be but the multiplication of the bulbs is in time proportionally reduced. This very rapid. The hybrid shows its parent- achievement with the amaryllis shows age in a very notable way in the form well, as suggested above, how highly and arrangement of its leaves. The esthetic, sharply commercial and broadly leaves of belladonna rise from the earth humane considerations all unite in Mr. with rounded ends and flattened against

Burbank's work and demonstrate his pos- each other like plates ; crinum leaves session of what is a puzzle to the world clasp each other and are long and today—the up-to-date American spirit. pointed. The hybrid has leaves with pointed ends, but with the upper parts, Closely allied to the amaryllis and in- down to where they cluster, flat; then terwoven witli it in Mr. Burbank's work there is an ofl-set which clasps around is the crinum, a grand flower, chieflv dis- like a crinum. giving the plant a very :

42 LUTHER BURBAXK peculiar apiicarance, especially when eiglit to ten inches across and six to eight grown in the greenhouse. The bulbs ])ounds in weight and show leaves and have necks like crinums, while still re- flowers of proportionate vigor. The best sembling in some respects the bella- of the old yellows are difficult to raise donnas. Thus the hybrid presents a under ordinary conditions. Mr. Bur- very interesting association of the sev- Imnk has worked to get fine flowers and eral characters of its parentage. foliage and ease of growth. He has se- lected about twenty varieties with these The splendid open-air growth of the characters, but as the most striking forms calla in California, coupled with the and qualities come from the second and memory of the affection which eastern third generations of seedlings after a people have for it as a house plant, in- cross, he is still continuing his effort with duced Mr. Burbank to take it up very expectation of even more remarkable re- soon after coming to this state and he sults. put much effort upon it, both by selec- tion and by crossing many species to se- Mr. Burliank's success with the canna cure combination of characters, as well is illustrative of the fact that he can se- as striking originality. He proceeded cure notable improvements with flowers first by selection and grew many thou- which have been greatly developed by sands of seedlings of the several forms others. The modern c-annas of dwarf of the common calla (Eichardia Afri- habit and magnificent bloom include the cana) securing varieties ranging all the French or Crozy type and the Italian or way from giant to dwarf, the most im- orchid-fliowered type, and striking im- portant named variety resulting was provement of them gained by the addi- "Fragrance," which exhaled a pleasing tion of the native American canna flac- perfume, while other callas usually are cida to the foreign blood. Mr. Burbank destitute of odors save those suggesting was early in this work and secured strik- dankishness. It is a semi-dwarf variety ing results, some of which have become and has become generally recognized famous. The "Burbank" canna, named among eastern florists as the most free by the Chicago florist, J. C. Vaughan, blooming of all its group of calla va- who secured the stock, now appears every- rieties. Mr. Burbank has also raised where in eastern catalogues as bearing thousands of seedlings of the spotted "giant orchid-like flowers, the upper pet- calla (albo-maculata), one of the most als nieasuring fvilly seven inches across, striking results being a variety which has a rich canary yellow with carmine spots." not only spots, but broad stripes of yel- But the latest and widest distinction be- low and white. longs to the "Tarrytown," introduced by All these were, however, simple as F. R. Pierson of the stopping place on compared with the grand combination tlie Hudson, whose name the flower bears. of characters involved in the hybridiza- Space does not admit more than a sug- tion of several species, viz. : Hastata, the gestion of the glories of this California yellow "Pride of the Congo" ; Elliot- achievement. The critics say tiana, rich, dark yellow with spotted "No variety approaches it for display * * leaves ; Pentlandii, also rich yellow it shows six times as many flowers with dark purple spot ; Rehmanni, for the same space as any other variety pink without and rose-purple with crim- * * the flowers which are an exceed- son spot within ; Nelsoni, small, pale ingly brilliant carmine-crimson, have de- yellow and purple. Out of this wide cidedly more substance than any other crossing came "Lemon Giant," as a prod- variety and last for an unusually long uct of albo-maculata and hastata, while time * * it is as much ahead of all from the many crosses of the others other canuas today for bedding as Mme. named, various combinations have re- Crozy was ahead of all at the time of its sulted which show many curious forms introduction." At the Pan-American ex- and almost startling flowers. Long position, Mr. William Scott, in charge of hairy leaves, shades of purple, green and floriculture, said : "There has never been white on leaf stalks and leaves—color a bed in the country with as much bloom effects not existing on any cultivated as Tarrytown had." plant. Some of the hybrids make bulbs Soon after he began with cannas Mr. QLADIOLDS "CALIFORNIA" Fir.ST VAniETY WITH FLOWERS ENCLOSING THE STEl 44 LUTHEK BUEBANK

Biirbank took iip tigridias, working for Though in the floral department of his size of flower and bulb and vigor of plant, work Mr. Burbank has apparently given and crossing to secure new colors which greater attention to herbaceous than to would endure sunshine. He has obtained woody plants, he lacks not achievement wonderful striped, lined and flaked va- in the latter class. Of roses he has flow- rieties which are new and have been well ered ten to fifteen thousand seedlings, received. Ten or twelve years' work with out of which three worthy varieties have dahlias, including the popular cactus- been introduced. By using the hardy flowered type, has resulted in achieve- Hermosa as a joint parent with the tea ments not vet ready for announcement. roses he has secured varieties popular at

ONE OF TEN THOUSAJTO HTBKID SEEDLINQ LILIES MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 45

the east because hardy, where the teas fail. Mr. Burbank has produced a new race of bell-shaped cle- matis with broadly bell-shaped flowers exquisitely frosted and with blending of colors and shadings not found elsewhere in the clematis family. With the double clematis of the Jackmani and Lanuginosa types he has reached brilliant results. The clematis experts, Jackson and Perkins, in writ- ing for the Cyclopedia of American Horticulture, men- tion the "Duchess of Edin- burgh" as aboiit the most de- sirable and best known in this

country, but add : "The Snow- drift, by Luther Burbank, promises to excel it in both floriferousness and vigor of EW DOUBLE GLADIOLUS THEER-FOURTHS NATURAL SIZE growth." In this connection mention may be Perhaps no more interesting communi- made of the columbines because Mr. Bur- cation can be made than that Mr. Bur- bank has succeeded in making them so bank is now giving a leading share of his nearly like clematis that he calls his new time to the systematic elevation of Cali- race aquilegia clematidea. They are of fornia wild flowers. He began that way, immense size, even to three inches in as stated, but he turned aside a little to diameter of bloom, and are very striking work the wonders with exotics which in that the backward extension of the have been mentioned, without, however, petals into spurs has been completely forsaking the beauties which so interested suppressed. As it has been usual to and charmed him when he came to this classify aquilegia species upon the length state. For example, he has never failed and form of the spurs, these curtailed to remember the lilies. He found at flrst flowers must have a new class. that the California tiger lily (Pardali- num) had nearly as many differences as It is manifestly impossible to make it had locations and then there are so even a complete suggestion of Mr. Bur- many other lilies native and foreign. bank's work with flowers. The group of Cultivation, selection, hybridization, in- which the Shasta daisy was only a fore- troduction of foreign blood and then se- runner must be passed with reference to lection again, then second and third gen- earlier mention of its origin and char- eration seedlings and selection again, un- acter given in Sunset for February, til all the known lilies of the world had 1903. Other chrysanthemum-daisies are brought their ancestral characters to the in training. Larger size, perpetual bloom- enrichment of his working collection and ing and ease of propagation are being se- it did seem at one time that the lilies cured. Colors will be multiplied. The must need show their gratitude by bloom- lemon yellow now secured will be carried ing over his resting place, for what man to other yellows. The pink, which is just can safely add the study of half a million disclosing itself, will be deepened to red. seedling hybrid lilies to his other occu- Other wild species of chrysanthemum pations ? Lily growers from all the world from other continents are being worked liave stood dazed—intoxicated with the into the strain and results cannot even be marvels of beauty and the perfumes of prophesied. Whether one shall put a this acreage of new lilies in full bloom. daisy in one's hat or piit one's hat under But Mr. Burbank quietly pursued his a daisy is a question of the future. even course through this bewilderiuH- un- AQUILEGIA CLEMATIDEA MR. BDKBANK'S NEW CLASS OF COLUMBINES, WITH CLEMATIS-LIKE FLOWERS (ABOUT ONE-FOUBTH NATURAL SIZE) : —

MAN, METHODS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 47 dertaking. From fifty to one hundred of in the immediate future will be given to the half million were selected and the this efllort. rest destroyed. These are now being It is not possible in this connection grown under the supervision of Mr. Carl even to list the plants now in his school, Purdy, who knows the lily in all its but the way he selects his pupils is too haunts and in all its whims, and the end significant to pass over. It is his custom is to come in time. It will be a floral rev- to roam the fields wherever a certain elation to say the least of it. There will flower grows naturally, looking closely be selected types—several of them. There into the faces of all blooms and taking will be flower stems all the way from one note of the growth, habit and vigor of in- foot to nine or ten feet high, thickly set dividual plants. He does this slowly and with bloom and forms and shades widely carefully, sometimes passing half a day various, and all of them perfumed and on half an acre in such comparative study easily grown. There may be in each type until he decides upon the most perfect something to merit what Miss Alice plant of the kind which nature has jjro- Eastwood of the California Academy of duced in that locality. If it does not Sciences said of a cross of Humboldtii show seed at that moment, the plant is and Parryi : "It is the best lily in the taken up if the flowers are well ad- world." Miss Eastwood could not help vanced, for seeds will often mature with talking just like other people when her the impulse remaining in the drying love of the beautiful overcame her scien- plant. If this is not likely the plant is tiflc reserve. But what else could any marked and revisited later. Whatever is one say of a grand pale lemon-yellow best to do to get the seed from this best lily, shaped like one of the new amaryl- of all wild individuals is undertaken and lises with large, flat, slightly revoluted from this seed the first class of freshmen petals, pure in color, exquisite in form, is brought into his floral colleffe. This grand in size and rich in perfume ? But selection for a start is half the battle, the lilies overpower us. whether it be for vigor or for tendency toward desirable variation or for other But what do we gain by flying from reason. them to contemplate the glories which And then how gentle is his care and are coming to the brodiasas, these pro- culture for the promising pupils and how fuse beauties of the California spring- sharp his punishment for the laggards time ? Mr. Burbank has been long grow- for such the death penalty. The former ing seedlings from the best-selected cannot be better described than in his plants. He has already secured blooms own words, which serve also as mention from four to six times as large as com- of his achievement with one of our most monly found in nature. He has a white popular wild flowers brodiaea with great keeping quality, hold- "We say to our Miss Golden Cup or ing its goodness a month in water as a Miss Esclischoltzia, as the bon ton call cut flower. He has bulbs as large as an her. 'This beautiful dress of bright gold- inch and a half, sending three or four en hue which you have always worn on bloom stalks instead of one or two as in all occasions is very becoming to you, and nature. He has new forms of the flower exceedingly appropriate to this land of appearing and is getting ready for cross- perpetual sunshine, but. Miss Queen ing and reselection which promise strik- Golden Cup, if you will sometimes adorn ing results. Similar improvements are yourself with a dress of white, pale being achieved with a host of California cream, pink or crimson we could love you wild flowers. Some of them are already still better than we do.' Now, Miss Esch- popular abroad, either in the greenhouse scholtzia, though having her family tastes or for summer bedding. To present al- and characteristics very thoroughly fixed, ready popular plants in vastly improved still belongs to the great Papaver race, form is to meet a warm welcome. Highly which has often shown itself willing to esteemed then as California native plants adapt itself to the discipline of new con- are, Mr. Burbank will add to their hon- ditions, even at first distasteful in the ors and distinctions. Much of his time extreme. So, after taking Miss Golden 48 LUTHER BURBANK

Cup into our gardens and constantly time seems to take the greatest pleasure- malfing these suggestions to her, she hes- in improving herself in every grace of itatingly consents to don a dress a shade form and feature." lighter in color, and then lighter still, Here, then, for the present the reader until now we have her not only in dresses takes leave of Mr. Burbank and his work. of gold, but in deepest orange, light and It is fitting that we should withdraw dark shades of cream, purest snowy while the state flower of California white, or all these combined, and by con- sheds its charming radiance about him, stant selection and various educational for no man more devotedly loves the influences in this line she will adorn land of his adoption and there is none herself in a dress of almost any color wlinm Californians delight more to which may be desirable and nt the same JKiiior.

y M

THE BUHBANK CAK.NA THREE- FOURTHS NATURAL SIZE SOUTHERN PACIFIC COMPANY Passenger Representatives

PASADENA, CAL. I. N. TODD Commercial Agent AHtTWERP, BELGIUM PASO ROBLES, CAL. H Kue Chapelle de Grace GEO. W. HOLSTON Agent RUD. FALCK General European Agent PHILADELPHIA, PA.—109 South Third Street II. .r. SMITH Agent PHOENIX, ARIZ. BAKERSFIELD, CAL. M. O. BICKNELL Agent W. V. MATLACK Agent PITTSBURG, PA. -515 Park Building BALTIMORE, MD.—209 E. German Street G. G. HERRING General Agent B. B. BARBER Agent POMONA, CAL. G. L. TRAVIS Commercial Agent PORTLAND, OR. BOSTON, MASS.—170 WasWngton Street W. E. COMAN, General Passenger Agent, E. E. CURRIER New England Agent Lines in Oregon CHICAGO, ILL.—193 Clark Street REDDING, CAL. W. G. NEIMYER General Agent R. A. MARTIN Agent GEO. M. McKINNEY, General Western Immi- REDLANDS, CAL. street. gration Agent. \13S Clark .7. E. GUY Agent CINCINNATI, O.—53 East Fourth Street RENO,NEV. General Agent W. H. CONNOR ,J M. FULTON DiT. Pass. 1 Fgt. Agent CITY OF MEx::co RIVERSIDE, CAL. General^ , Agent. , W. K. MacDODGALD .r. R. GRAY Cv\ ercial Agent DENVER, COLO.—1112 17th Street ROTTERDAM, NETH.-92 Wynha' I, S. S. W. K. McAllister General Agent RUD. FALCK General I opean Agent DETROIT, MICH.—126 Woodward Avenue SACRAMENTO, CAL. General Agent F. B. CIIOATE C. .1. .TONES. .. .DiT. Pass, ap i-eight Agent SALEM, OR.

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Deacriptiie literature reyarding the territory traversed by Southern Pacific Company lines, and information concerning tichcts, routes of travel, sleeping car accommodations, etc., can he obtained on aitpUcation, by letter or in person, to any agent of the Southern Pacific. LBMv'15