But an absolute reversion could no more be
reached in this direction than in the normal one. Any sowing without
selection would be [352] liable to reduce the strain to an average
condition.
The production of varietal and of atavistic leaves is dependent to a
high degree on external conditions. It agrees with the general rule,
that favorable circumstances strengthen the varietal peculiarities,
while unfavorable conditions increase the number of the parts with the
atavistic attribute. These influences may be seen to have their effect
on the single individuals, as well as on the generations growing from
their seed. I cannot cite here all the experimental material, but a
single illustrative example may be given. I divided a strong individual
into two parts, planted one in rich soil and the other in poor sand, and
had both pollinated by bees with the pollen of some normal individuals
of my variety growing between them. The seeds of both were saved and
sown separately, and the two lots of offspring cultivated close to each
other under the same external conditions. In the beginning no difference
was seen, but as soon as the young plants had unfolded three or four
leaves, the progeny of the better nourished half of the parent plant
showed a manifest advance. This difference increased rapidly and was
easily seen in the beds, even before the flowering period.
Pages:
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348