372 REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE ON GENETICS. 
Of course, if an observer is determined to confirm some “ law,’’ these 
intermediate forms may all be classed as bearded or beardless (according 
to the wishes of the individual); but surely in scientific researches the 
facts ought to take precedence over the theory. 
While it is well understood that the word “beardless”’ is seldom or 
never used to signify the entwe absence of awns, the writer altogether 
fails to see how the term can possibly be used to describe heads bearing a 
considerable number of well-developed awns ; and he would suggest to 
fellow-workers in the breeding of new varieties of wheat that an accurate 
record of facts is highly desirable, whether they do or do not accord with 
any particular theory. 
