Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, Volume 24:353 (1900)

NOTES ON SOME HYBRIDS
Mr. W. Smythe, F.R.H.S.

In crossing Begonia weltoniensis with a scarlet seedling of the ordinary tuberous type I did so with the idea of producing a bedding variety of the weltoniensis breed, but with the hardiness of the male parent, and capable of standing the whole summer, regardless of inclement weather. The result was the Begonia I have called 'Basing Park Hybrid,' which produces stout, bushy plants of quite a good bedding habit and a profusion of flowers, but with the tubers quite distinct from the male parent. It stands well in beds from early summer until the autumn frost, and bears its flowers up well against rain or any stormy weather.

Phaseolus Multiflorus x Phaseolus Vulgaris

For many years I have fertilised the Dwarf Bean with pollen from the Scarlet Bunner, and have then crossed and recrossed the best selected hybrids therefrom. I have succeeded in getting many different varieties. The first break resulted in plants of the Runner type, about 3 feet in height, which only produced ill-formed pods, and were much too late to be of any real use, except, perhaps, in dry warm countries. They produced scarlet flowers on racemes in the same way as the old Scarlet Runner. But with another recross from the best of the former hybrids I obtained three good dwarf varieties about 2 feet high, with every characteristic of the Runner in regard to the thick fleshy pods, and flowers borne in long racemes. The pods are of a fine flavour. The seeds are small, like the Dwarf.

In fertilising Beans great care must be taken to remove the stamens in order to avoid self-fertilisation. Carefully remove or cut the petals before introducing the foreign pollen. I find a camel-hair brush best for the purpose, so as not to injure the stigma.

I find the greatest trouble is to get the hybrid Bean to assume a fixed character. Individual plants differ so much in the colour of their flowers and seeds, although the pods are exactly alike. This Bean is remarkably productive, and of a perpetual-bearing character.

Tacsonia Smytheana x.

This was the result of crossing T. mollissima with T. manicata . My object was the production of a flower of a brighter colour (or even scarlet), which was so much wanted among the Tacsonias. Nor was I disappointed, for the hybrid has apparently taken its brightness of colour from its pollen parent, but is quite distinct from either in regard to the length of the tube and the habit of producing its flowers. They are produced in a horizontal manner from the growth, which is unlike any other of the Tacsonias. The foliage resembles T. manicata, but the petals of the flowers are inclined to incurve, which is distinct from either parent.