CHAPTER IV. 



THE SHAKESPEARES OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS. 



In taking up the general propositions enunciated 

 under paragraphs numbered I to 26 in early pages, 

 there is no assumption that these are more than a basis 

 for informal discussion. Practical examples and sug- 



fested plans for comprehensive reorganization of the 

 reeding business will serve as a basis for the discus- 

 sions. The facts relating to heredity and the achieve- 

 ment of breeders of both plants and animals will be 

 used to show that the current literature and the books 

 on breeding have not been sufficiently optimistic. We 

 need to read between the lines in Darwin's books to 

 gain the full inspiration they leave for breed and variety 

 improvement. The theories of Francis Galton, the re- 

 searches of Hugo de Vries, and the actual achievements 

 of Luther Burbank all lead to more faith that wealth 

 may be increased with greater raiditv by breeding than 

 is at present being accomplished. 



Francis Galton, of England, and other naturalists 

 with a taste for mathematical processes have insti- 

 tuted studies of living organisms in which measure- 

 ments and statistics are the prominent features. A new 

 periodical called "Biometrica" (measuring living 

 things) has recently been launched in London to give 

 publicity to the results of these experimental researches, 

 That paper is to the work of these scientists what The 

 Gazette is to practical breeders, and each should more 

 fully realize the point of view of the other. In fact, 

 has not the time come when practical and scientific men 

 interested in the science of breeding- should formally and 

 effectively join hands in pushing forward a knowledge 

 of the laws of heredity, both in its relation to the evolu- 



