Harris: NUMBER OF OVULES FORMED 455 
Such a relationship does, however, exist. So far as the ma- 
terials available may be considered as representative of the species 
it is generally negative, i. e., as the number of ovules formed in- 
creases the capacity for maturing these ovules into seeds decreases. 
This conclusion is supported by the facts that the negative correla- 
tions are significantly more numerous than the positive, they 
average larger numerically, and they have a higher degree of 
trustworthiness with regard to their probable errors. 
In some varieties, however, the correlations seem to be gen- 
erally positive. This is true for the common Navy. All other 
varieties so far as studied—White Flageolet, Ne Plus Ultra, 
Burpee’s Stringless, Golden Wax and Black Wax—show exclu- 
sively or preponderantly negative correlations. 
Concerning the explanation of this relationship no suggestion 
can be made. Such an attempt would be quite premature until 
ample quantitative data on the nature (sign) and intensity of the 
relationship in a considerable series of varieties are available. 
Anyone venturing to suggest explanations must also fully realize 
that the problem is an exceedingly complex one, involving many 
difficulties which need not be enlarged upon here. But as matters 
of biological fact the results seem definitely established, and 
represent one further step in the analysis of the problem of fertility 
and fecundity in plants. 
CoLtp Sprinc Harsor, N. Y. 
