120 Atavism. 
the selection of seeds from the palest examples of the 
striped forms. 
Convolvulus tricolor was the first species in which 
this mode of origin of the striped form was observed 
(1840). It was followed by Gomphrena globosa, Antir- 
rhinum ma jus album and luteum, Ncmophila insignis, Por- 
tulacca grandiflora, and others. Of recent years a large 
number of blotched varieties have been obtained in vari- 
ous nurseries; and always, so far as is known, in the 
same way, by so-called partial reversion of a white or 
yellow variety to the red or blue color of the parent 
species. 
In the following sections we will therefore examine 
in detail some cases of striped flowers as instances of 
physiological atavism. 
14. ANTIRRHINUM MAJUS STRIATUM. 
(With Plate I.) 
Amongst the numerous cultivated varieties of the 
Snapdragon one group is distinguished by the possession 
of striped flowers. A bed of these produces a fine and 
varied show of color. On the other hand the horticul- 
turist's handbooks state that, whilst the remaining sorts 
are practically constant, the striped ones leave much to be 
desired in this respect. 1 Such a statement naturally in- 
vites the investigator to inquire into the mode of inheri- 
tance of this character. 
The striped varieties owe their character to the fact 
that the normal red color of the wild snapdragon is con- 
fined to broader or narrower longitudinal stripes. Where 
the red is absent the pure color of the background be- 
comes visible. This may be either white, rose, yellow 
^ILMORIN'S Blumengartnerei, 3d Ger. ed., Vol. I, 1896, p. 756. 
