XIX. 



ACCLIMATIZATION: DOES IT OCCUR?' 



The question is asked in the June Garden, if ac- 

 climatization does ever reallj' occur. The question is 

 suggested by the definition and explanation of the term 

 as given by myself in the previous issue. In defining 

 the term, I did not intend to defend the question 

 as to whether acclimatization does or does not occur. 

 Being thus drawn into the controversy, however, I 

 submit a few facts in defense of the occurrence of 

 acclimatization. 



In order to comprehend clearly the discussion, the 

 reader will need to bear in mind the distinctions be- 

 tween the terms acclimatization, acclimation, naturali- 

 zation and domestication, as outlined in the May issue. 

 It must be borne in mind that the essential idea of 

 acclimation and acclimatization is the overcoming of 

 a climate which is at first injurious to the plant or 

 the species. It must also be remembered that the dif- 

 ference between acclimation and acclimatization lies in 

 the fact that the former is a process of wild nature, 

 while the latter takes place under the more active guid- 

 ance or supervision of man. The processes in the two 

 are, of course, the same. Man acclimatizes with the 

 same agencies with which nature acclimates. Hence it 

 happens that in many instances we are unable to deter - 



'American Garden, new series, viii. 29.5, 325, 357 (September, October, No- 

 rember, 1887). Consult Glossary for deflnitions- 



C320) 



