438 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.41 



described by Collins (E. S. R., 22, p. 443) and an African popcorn. While the 

 results are said to be similar, on the whole, to those previously reported, such 

 large numbers of individuals were examined as to place the deviations from 

 the expected ratios beyond qiiestion and to establish more definitely the exist- 

 ence of a correlation between the characters studied. The evidence is also 

 believed to be of value in testing the general applicability of current theories of 

 the segregation or alternative inheritance of characters, as well as theories that 

 may be advanced in the future. Considerable tabulated data from which the 

 pedigrees may be readily traced are presented and fully discussed. The author 

 summarizes the results secured as follows: 



" The number of seeds with the waxy endosperm reappearing in the per- 

 jugate generation of waxy X horny crosses is less than the expected for a 

 simple Mendelian character, but this deviation, though significant, is too small 

 to warrant the predication of additional factors. In making this determina- 

 tion, more than 100,000 seeds were classified, and it has been possible therefore 

 to establish the actual percentage within 0.3 per cent. The same material was 

 used to test the inheritance of aleurone coloi', which also was found to depart 

 from the theoretical ratios. Unlike the waxy endosperm texture, no definite 

 trend above or below the expected ratios was observed, but many abnormal 

 ratios were obtained which necessitated further refinements in the factorial 

 analysis of this character. 



" From the results of the Mendelian analysis of aleurone color and endosperm 

 texture it must be concluded that in many cases uniform Mendelian reactions 

 are obtained, which allow certain predictions to be made with respect to the 

 behavior of these characters in subsequent generations. But that these pre- 

 dictions, based upon the gametic analysis will be uniformly fulfilled must not 

 be supposed. . . . Aberrant behavior is far from uncommon, increasing with 

 the progress of investigation and the refinement of analysis. The fact is com- 

 ing to be appreciated that instead of a few simple unassociated factors most 

 characters are composed of many complex units, which may no longer be con- 

 sidered singly, but that their interrelations or correlations must be taken into 

 account. 



"The present investigations show that certain of the more definitely alter- 

 native characters of maize are subject to variation or fluctuating behavior that 

 renders these supposed Mendelian factors too irregular to justify a belief that 

 the very definite relationship predicted in theories of gametic coupling could 

 exist between such characters. There can be little doubt, however, that at 

 least with several combinations of characters the gametic ratios are to a certain 

 extent regular, but that these ratios fit any arbitrary series is not so well 

 demonstrated. For the breeder of crop plants where most of the desired char- 

 acters are almost infinitely complex, seldom alternative, and often intangible, 

 Mendelism seems to have little of practical value to offer, whether the attempt 

 of some investigators to so extend the theory as to embrace such characters be 

 approved or not. While Mendelism may assist in making desired combinations, 

 there is nothing to show that it can serve as a substitute for selection either 

 in finding the best stocks or in preserving them from subsequent deterioration." 



Factors influencing the carrying qualities of American export com, E. G. 

 BoERNER {U. S. Dept. Agr. Bui. 16^ {1919), pp. 99, figs. 72).— In a continuation 

 of investigations previously noted (E. S. R., 23, p. 35), this bulletin describes 

 observations made on eight representative cargoes of corn accompanied from 

 the United States to various European ports, and on an additional cargo which 

 was carefully sampled at the time of loading in America and again at the time 

 of discharge in Europe. The purpose was to determine the effect upon the 

 carrying qualities of export corn of the moisture content, quality, and condition 



