Variation of Plants under Cultivation. 41 



Analyticutn (Buysman) ; Tropaeoluin majus ; Lespedeza bicolor; 

 Olearia ramulosa ; Torenia Fournieri. 



The Rev. W. Andson referred in suitable terms to the death 

 of the Rev. T. H. Thomson, Hig-htae, who had contributed valu- 

 able papers to the Society while a member. He had an extensive 

 knowledge of ecclesiastical antiquities, and especially of Cove- 

 nanting times. Mr Andson moved that an expression of the 

 sense of the Society's loss should be entered in the minutes. 

 This was duly seconded and agreed to. 



COMMUN 1 C A TIONS. 



I. — " Some, Observations on the Variation of Plants under Cultiva- 

 tion." By Mr S. Arnott, Carsethorn, Kirkbean. 



SUMMARY OF INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



In the introductory remarks the writer referred to the 

 importance and interest of the subject as bearing upon the evolu- 

 tion of plants in the past. It was pointed out that, while the 

 variations of plants could be studied from those g-rowing ia a 

 wild state, cultivation afforded a better means of doing so, inas- 

 much as the plants were more under regular observation, while 

 the greater facilities for natural and artificial fertilization and 

 cross-breeding afforded opportunities for the appearance or arti- 

 ficial production of variations which could not exist in a wild 

 state, where fewer allied plants grew together. 



Attention was also drawn to the variations in form, colour, 

 and size of flowers which could be observed among our native 

 plants when these were numerous in any habitat. It was also 

 stated that the writer had endeavoured, as far as possible, to give 

 the results of his own observation and knowledge in preference 

 to drawing upon the published work of those who had written 

 upon the subject. It may be mentioned that the Mendelian 

 theory, so far as it affects the subject, has not been overlooked, 

 but that the author is not at present prepared to consider it as 

 beyond grave doubt. 



COLOUR VARIATION. 



I shall begin with colour variation, as being among the most 

 noticeable of the changes we find among flowers. 



