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iSlucetione bearing on Specific Stability. 



By Francis Galton, D.C.L., F.R.S. 



[The following paper, which has just appeared in the Transactions of the Ento- 

 mological Society (1895, pp. 155 — 7), is, we think, of such importance 

 that we obtained the kind permission of Dr. Galton to reprint in this 

 Journal, in the hope that some of our readers may help to elucidate the 

 many problems connected with Specific Stability. Communications relat- 

 ing to the subject should be addressed to Dr. Galton, 42 Rutland Gate, 

 London, S.W.] 



' '^T^HE questions are more especially addressed to those who 



JL have had experience in breeding, but by no means to 

 breeders only ; nor are they addressed only to entomolo- 

 gists, being equally appropriate to the followers of every other 

 branch of Natural History. 



" I should be grateful for replies relating to any species of 

 animal or plant, whether based on personal observation or referring 

 to such observations by others as are still scattered through the 

 wide range of periodical literature, not having yet found a place 

 in standard works. 



" The questions are for information on the following subjects : 



" (i) Instances of such strongly-marked peculiarities, whether 

 in form, in colour, or in habit, as have occasionally appeared in a 

 single or in a few individuals among a brood ; but no record is 

 wanted of monstrosities or of such other characteristics as are 

 clearly inconsistent with health and vigour. 



" (2) Instances in which any one of the above peculiarities has 

 appeared in the broods of different parents. [In replying to this 

 question, it will be hardly worth while to record the sudden 

 appearance of either albinism or melanism, as both are well 

 known to be of frequent occurrence.] 



" Note. — The question is not asked now whether such pecu- 

 liarities, or ' sports/ may be accounted for by atavism or other 

 hypothetical causes. 



" (3) Instances in which any of this peculiarly characterised 

 individuals have transmitted their pecuUarities, hereditarily, to one 

 or more generations. Especial mention should be made whether 

 the peculiarity was in any way transmitted in all its original inten- 



