48 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON. 



The chief object of this inquiry, however, must be the study of 

 the mutable strain itself. Some of its seeds yield new species, while 

 others are more conservative. Thence the question, Which seeds 

 mutate, and by which causes are they elected to do so ? The loca- 

 tion of the mutating seeds within the fruit, the position of the pre- 

 ferred fruits on the spikes, the influence of the individual strength 

 of the sundry branches, and many other points have to be investi- 

 gated. Further, it is probable that the degree of mutabilit}^ or, in 

 other words, the yield of mutating seeds, is more or less dependent 

 on the outer life-conditions. Thence the necessity of studying the 

 influence of culture in general, of light and heat, of soil and water, 

 and last, but not least, of manure. Extreme combinations of these 

 factors should be tried to see whether perhaps they may give ex- 

 treme results. 



Underlying all and directing all the efforts should be the hope of 

 obtaining such a knowledge of the phenomenon as would enable us 

 to take the ;vhole guidance of it into our own hands. 



Obviously, this aim lies within the possibilities of the first series 

 of years. Kxact methods of working, severe isolation of the single 

 individuals, artificial fecundation with complete exclusion of the 

 visits of insects, and above all the great principle of individual seed- 

 saving and seed-sowing, have to be the guides. Following the lines 

 which are indicated by these prescriptions, gradually a power will 

 be developed which will first enable us to increase the number of 

 mutating seeds and afterwards to widen the range of mutability. 

 New and unexpected species will then arise, and methods will be 

 discovered which might be applied to garden plants and vegetables,' 

 and perhaps even to agricultural crops, in order to induce them to 

 yield still more useful novelties. 



Increase of knowledge of all the peculiarities which accompany 

 the phenomenon of mutability is the most immediate requirement. 

 On the foundation of the study of one single instance this increase 

 can not be sufficiently broad. Other cases may display other features, 

 and the problem is to be attacked from different sides. A broad 

 foundation knowledge of phenomena is the most assured way to 

 success. 



Ladies and gentlemen, it is a high honor for me that this labora- 

 tory has been founded, and that the members of the board and the 

 director have invited me to be its godfather. During a long series 

 of years I have fostered my conception of sudden mutability and 

 cultivated my primroses for myself and for myself only. Nobody 



