From this discussion we seem justified in concluding that the original
appearance of the upright type was of the nature of systematic atavism.
It differs however, from the already detailed cases in that it is not a
monstrosity, nor an ever-sporting race, but is as constant a form [656]
as the best variety or species. Even on this ground it must be
considered as a representative of a separate group of instances of the
universal rule of systematic reversions.
Of late the same mutation has occurred in the garden of C.A. White at
Washington. The parent form in this case was the "Acme," of the ordinary
weak and spreading habit of growth. It is known as one of the best and
most stable of the varieties and was grown by Mr. White for many years,
and had not given any sign of a tendency towards change. Seeds from some
of the best plants in 1899 were sown the following spring, and the young
seedlings unexpectedly exhibited a marked difference from their parents.
From the very outset they were more strong and erect, more compact and
of a darker green than the "Acme." When they reached the fruiting stage
they had developed into typical representatives of the _Lycopersicum
solanopsis_ or upright division. The whole lot of plants comprised only
some 30 specimens, and this number, of course, is too small to base
far-reaching conclusions upon.
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