It is now being applied on a large
scale to nearly all ornamental plants. It is the one great principle now
in universal practice as well as one of preeminent scientific value. Of
course, the main arguments of the evolution theory rest upon
morphologic, systematic, geographic and paleontologic evidence. But the
question as to how we can coordinate the relation between existing
species and their supposed ancestors is of course one of a physiologic
nature. Direct observation or experiments were not available for Darwin
and so he found himself constrained to make use of the experience of
breeders. This he did on a broad scale, and with such success that it
was precisely this side of his arguments that played the major part in
convincing his contemporaries.
The work of the breeders previous to Darwin's time had not been very
critically performed. Recent analyses of the evidence obtained [94] from
them show that numerous types of variability were usually thrown
together. What type in each case afforded the material, which the
breeder in reality made use of, has only been inquired into in the last
few decades. Among those who have opened the way for thorough and more
scientific treatment are to be mentioned Rimpau and Von Rumker of
Germany and W.M. Hays of America.
Von Rumker is to be considered as the first writer, who sharply
distinguished between two phases of methodical breeding-selection.
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