The first generation always gave a final decision, provided
that a suitable method of cultivation for the species under observation
was found at the beginning. This however, is a condition, which it is
not at all easy to comply with, when new sorts are introduced into a
garden. Especially so when they had been collected in the wild state.
Often one or two years, sometimes more, are necessary to find the proper
method of sowing, manuring, transplanting and, other cultural methods
satisfactory to the plants. Many wild species require more care and more
manure in gardens than the finest garden flowers. And a large number are
known to be dependent on very particular conditions of soil.
One of the most curious features of anomalies, which has been learned
from accumulated instances, is the fact that they obey definite laws as
to their occurrence on the different parts of the plant. Obviously such
laws are [362] not apparent as long as each plant produces only one or
two, or, at most, a few instances of the same deviation. On the
contrary, any existing regularity must betray itself, as soon as a
larger number of instances is produced. A rule of periodicity becomes
most clearly manifest in such cases.
This rule is shown by no other race in a more undoubted and evident
manner than by the "five-leaved" clover.
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