25O EFFECTS OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION. 



becomes a fixed quantity then there is a definite limit to the amount 

 of development, extending the distance gives opportunity for evolu- 

 tion, reducing it results in degeneracy. 



IMMATURITY. 



It is probable that sexual excesses induce rapid divisions of the 

 germ cells, and that when rapid divisions occur, they take place 

 before the previously divided cells have had time to regain their 

 full size and development. The consequence of such an action 

 would, of course, be germ cells of reduced size and immature char- 

 acter, from the germ standpoint. 



Now it has been shown, in the vegetable kingdom, 1 that if 

 immature seeds (i. e., unripe seeds which do not weigh more than 

 about two-thirds as much as those which are fully ripe) be planted, 

 they germinate readily, but the plantlets lack vigor and the fruit 

 from them is smaller and less firm. What the fruit from such 

 plants lack in size they usually make up in numbers, and fruit 

 produced in this way matures somewhat earlier than that produced 

 by the use of fully ripe seeds. By continuing the use of immature 

 seeds for several generations, the characters of reduced size and 

 vigor, early development and tendency toward fecundity are accen- 

 tuated. 



IMMATURE GERM CELLS. 



Applying this fact to the propagation of animals from imma- 

 ture germ cells, we have a clearer view of why sexual excesses 

 induce early puberty and reduce bodily vigor. Contrariwise, when 

 we observe these characters in children we may infer propagation 

 from immature and dwarfed germ cells. The bodily weakness 

 observed in the children of young, or comparatively young, parents 



(l) Bailey, Plant-Breeding, p. 103. 



