86 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



Mr. Bennett — I am sorry that I was prevented from being in to 

 listen to the essay. Upon this subject just before us, I have a word to 

 say. I at one time saw a hickory tree, and at some twelve feet up there 

 was a deer's horn apparently growing, as though it ^vas a limb. I suppose 

 on some sort of examination it might be declared to be bud variation. It 

 looked like a branch. I know that very many of these things that are 

 taken for good observations are something like that in character. 



I remember, about three years ago, at Mr. Flagg's residence, seeing 

 a common weed that had changed to white. The color was ordinarily 

 green, tinged with red. I have observed something of the same weed 

 since. 



Now, I have no doubt but that the white part of these leaves was 

 simply a disease. In the green-house, frequently, we may see geraniums 

 change color — those that are variegated with white spots — the patches 

 becoming green again when the conditions are favorable to their 

 growth. The hydrangea blossom can be colored at will by the applica- 

 tion of proper materials to the soil. 



These things must be carefully considered before we jump at con- 

 clusions ; and yet I do not doubt that there is some such thing as bud 

 variation. The examples given by Dr. Darwin appear to be good ; 

 there are others equally good. I have seen elm trees whose branches 

 were more drooping than others, and their leaves of different character. 

 In regard to the buds being analogous to spores, it is proper to recognize 

 them as such. 



Mr. Hunt — I have not a hickory tree, but an Early Richmond 

 cherry tree. It has no horns on, however, upon which I can hang any 

 thing that is peculiar. There is one branch that for the last eight years has 

 invariably borne cherries which, while we have been picking the general 

 crop, there have been blossoms and purely green fruit upon this limb. 

 They have ripened about two weeks later than the cherries upon the rest 

 of the tree. In size, in form, in texture, and in taste evidently Early 

 Richmond cherries. This branch starts out from the main tree about 

 two and a half feet above its junction with a Morello stem. This is a 

 tree I got from your Honor when living in Cook county. 



The President — Very likely ! I have sent out a great many won- 

 ders. [Laughter.] 



Mr. Hunt — If any gentleman can give a better illustration I will 

 give up the bud variation idea at once. 



Mr. McAfee — Have you ever propagated from it ? 



