106 Transformation of ^^/jilops into Wheat. 



Must we conclude from these facts that cultivated wheat 

 derives its origin from jTlgilops ovaiaf This ojnnion has been 

 expressed in the most formal manner by the learned Dean of the 

 Faculty of Sciences of Montpellier. Ttiis conclusion seems to us 

 serious, and we are led to ask if the opinion pronounced by M. 

 Dunal really results from a rigorous induction from the facts ob- 

 served by Mr. Fabre. To judge this question maturely, it appears 

 above all necessary to take into account not only the principal 

 fact, but also the circumstances in which it was produced ; all 

 having possible importance, none must be neglected, especially 

 when we have to pronounce upon a subject of so high a scientific 

 influence. An examination of these circumstances will conduct 

 us to a solution which direct experiment will subsequently prove 

 to confirm. 



In the first place, where does ^gilops triticoides habitually 

 grow? Our own observations, made in different localities of 

 the South of France, have shown us that the JEgilops triticoides 

 is always found on the borders of wheat-fields, or in their neigh- 

 bourhood, and never in sterile places far removed from tlie 

 cultivation of cereals. M. Fal^re has, indeed, said that he 

 gathered it in an uncultivated spot completely surrounded by 

 vineyards. This is true ; but it must be added that extensive 

 wheat-fields exist at a short distance. 



We may remark further, that j^gilops triticoides is never very 

 abundant anywhere, but occurs scattered here and there as if 

 really the product of accident. 



On the other hand, this plant, gathered by M. Fabre at Agde, 

 assumes, from the first year of cultivation, absolute y the liabit 

 of the Touzelle wheat, generally cultivated in the environs of 

 that town, and this remarkable circumstance has been observed 

 by M. Fabre himself. Hence, one is led to ask if the TouzeJle, 

 instead of originating from y^f/ilops orata, transformed into 

 j^jgilops triticoides, may not, on the contrary, have something 

 to do with the production of the latter plant. But this is not 

 all : where beardless wheat is cultivated, y^gilops triticoides itself 

 has the awns almost rudimentary ; wtiile, on the contrary, it is 

 bearded where bearded wheat is grown. Thus, jEr/ilops triticoides 

 varies ; and since its variations are in relation with those pre- 

 sented by the wheats cultivated in each locality there is a 

 probability that the wheat has some influence in the production 

 of this form of ^-^gilops. 



When M. Fabre sowed the seeds of the wild ySgilops triticoides 

 the first time, he observed that few of the stems produced seeds, 

 and those only furnished a small quantity. With the view of 

 repeating the series of experiments made by this ingenious 

 observer, we likewise sowed the seeds of tl;e wild ^(jilops 



