174 THE MENDEL JOURNAL 



of the same parents, is quite inconsistent with the concep- 

 tion of blending, but is intelligibly explained on the con- 

 ception of segregation. Thus while the biometrical method 

 masks the truth and may even lead us to erroneous con- 

 clusions, the method of the Mendelian leads us to the 

 clearer understanding of the nature of the problem, and 

 renders apparent that which exists. 



With regard to the offspring when both parents are 

 mulattoes, there is nothing in the evidence provided by 

 Professor Pearson that is inconsistent with the process of 

 gametic blending. And it must be admitted there is 

 at first sight, and for the present, very Uttle that is indi- 

 cative of segregation. But the evidence is far from com- 

 plete, as Professor Pearson himself intimates, and on 

 some points it is very indefinite. For instance, to which 

 type of mulatto do the two parents belong ? Since, 

 according to the correspondent, the brown type constitutes 

 about 85 per cent, of the mulattoes in the West Indies, we 

 infer that the statements as to the oif spring apply to that 

 type alone. But it is necessary to know something more 

 about the matter. As the "Mendel Journal" will be dis- 

 tributed to the West Indies, and it is possible that it may 

 fall into the hands of persons who feel an interest in 

 advancing the knowledge of the subject, perhaps we may 

 take the opportunity of briefly indicating some of the 

 observations it would be of advantage to make and 

 record. The editor of this Journal will gladly publish 

 at its expense, any authentic observations and 

 photographs relating to the subject which may be 

 sent to him. It is very desirable that some information 

 as to the details of the offspring of separate families born 

 of mulatto parents should be forthcoming. Particularly 

 it is desired that the degree of difference in tint or in 

 colour should be indicated. If one son is light mulatto, 

 a daughter is dark mulatto, and another son medium 

 mulatto, it should be stated, after careful comparison. 

 The slightest difference in colour especially, as well as 

 in tint or intensity, should be noticed. Another observa- 

 tion which is very much desired, is the nature of the 

 offspring when the father is a yellow mulatto and the 

 mother a brown one, or vice versa. In all cases, differences 

 between the children of the same parents should be 



