EVOLUTION AND VARIATION 65 



to search for it, and, in so doing, transfer hered- 

 ity. No tree or plant that depends permanently 

 and wholly on water or wind to carry heredity 

 has bright colors, fragrance, or a secretion of 

 honey, while all which do depend upon them 

 have one or all of these for inducement to the 

 insects. Besides all this, each species is adapted 

 to visits of certain insects, and most often to pre- 

 vent others. The most wonderful and varied 

 structures in nature are here to be seen. Is this 

 for no purpose or for an unseen one ? No ! From 

 this fact of sea^ and through its action in com- 

 bining heredity acquirements, causing infinitely 

 complex combinations, the evolution into a world 

 of a million varied forms has been accomplished. 

 Then why ask the purpose of sex? Is it not self- 

 evident, or why call it an impenetrable mystery? 



After having discussed the most vital aspects 

 of the matter, we may now proceed to some very 

 definite conclusions. 



Abundant, well-balanced nourishment and 

 thorough culture of plants or animals will al- 

 ways produce good results in holding any spe- 

 cies or variety up to its best heredity possibili- 

 ties, beyond which it cannot carry them, and, 

 lacking which, maximum development can nevei 

 be realized. But a sharp line must always be 

 drawn between the transient results temporarily 



Vol. 1 — Bur. C 



