4] 
all the characetr differences in peas (for over 70 of which, this 
is already known, in some detail) and from this knowledge, to 
be able to synthesize a desired variety by bringing together the 
specified characters through crossing, much as one does in chem- 
istry in making new and much desired compounds. Material as 
favorable for the theoretical study of heredity and variation as 
are peas, is rare, and it is needless to point out how obviously 
agricultural and horticultural breeding are dependent on theo- 
retical studies of heredity and variation and the determination of 
their laws. 
The experiments on castor beans involve the same aims as those 
mentioned for peas, though the material is of less value from a 
theoretical standpoint. The inheritance of several characters of 
economic value has been elucidated. When applied to the com- 
mercial growing of these beans for oil, knowledge of the heredity 
of these characters may prove of decided importance. The castor 
bean collection has been enriched by the gift of over two hundred 
new forms, representing commercial, wild, and semi-wild types 
from all over the tropical and semi-tropical world. These were 
obtained through the kindness of Prof. J. B.S. Norton, botanist of 
the Maryland Experiment Station. Owing to the importance of 
aeroplanes in winning the war, the castor-oil plant, through the 
value of its oil as an aeroplane lubricant, has ‘become very im- 
portant. Great differences in productiveness, time of maturity, 
and other characters, exist among the varieties of this plant, and 
so far as the writer is aware, no attempt at securing improved 
varieties has yet been made. 
The studies of inheritance on various characters Ci conus 
several of which involve productiveness, have been continued by 
Miss S. G. Streeter, registered student at the Garden, under Dr. 
White’s direction. 
At present the plant breeding and heredity work is much 
hampered through lack of sufficient greenhouse space for growing 
winter cultures, and through insufficient clerical and gardening 
assistance for keeping pedigree records and taking proper care 
of the cultures. No considerable extension of the summer work 
will be possible unless additional space can be secured for field 

