IT is probably not generally known that the cereal from which we obtain our bread corn is almost invariably self-fertilised in nature, and that only a skilful expert can perform the delicate operation involved in the cross-breeding of wheat. The anthers, when near maturity, must be removed from a number of wheat-flowers, and on the following day the pollen of the male parent must be placed on the stigma. The opening of the glumes, however, is dependent on the swelling of the “lodicules,” which only occurs when the temperature of the atmosphere is not less than about 75°. Below that minimum the florets will not open so as to expose the reproductive parts to the operator. The angle of opening of the glumes corresponds to this swelling, and when fertilisation has been performed the lodicules shrivel up and the glumes again close over the pistil. It had long been obvious that half a dozen different varieties of wheat, blossoming at the same time, may be grown in adjacent fields or in contiguous rows without the occurrence of interbreeding, in spite of the clouds of pollen which sunshine and warmth develop at the time of blossoming; and considering the remarkable results from the cross-fertilisation of numerous plants in gardens, it seems surprising that the same process should not have been applied to wheat. Many years ago a well-known selector and “improver” of cereals, the late Mr. Patrick Sheriff, tried some experiments in this direction. His usual method of improvement consisted in the selection and careful cultivation of “sports,” and he was approaching the end of his career when his earliest attempts at cross-breeding were made. The increased vigour of wheat, the moulding of the ear, the production of a larger and fuller ear, with superior grain, earlier maturity, and the modification of the straw so as to render it stronger, or shorter, and less liable to become laid as in the present season, are all improvements which may certainly be accomplished in regard to this cereal, just as analogous modifications have beeen effected in animals and some other plants by the recognised methods of breeders.