352 Ever-sporting Varieties 



liable to reduce the strain to an average condi- 

 tion. 



The production of varietal and of atavistic 

 leaves is dependent to a high degree on 

 external conditions. It agrees with the gen- 

 eral rule, that favorable circumstances 

 strengthen the varietal peculiarities, while un- 

 favorable conditions increase the number of the 

 parts with the atavistic attribute. These in- 

 fluences may be seen to have their effect on the 

 single individuals, as well as on the generations 

 growing from their seed. I cannot cite here all 

 the experimental material, but a single illustra- 

 tive example may be given. I divided a strong 

 individual into two parts, planted one in rich 

 soil and the other in poor sand, and had both 

 pollinated by bees with the pollen of some nor- 

 mal individuals of my variety growing between 

 them. The seeds of both were saved and sown 

 separately, and the two lots of offspring culti- 

 vated close to each other under the same ex- 

 ternal conditions. In the beginning no differ- 

 ence was seen, but as soon as the young plants 

 had unfolded three or four leaves, the progeny 

 of the better nourished half of the parent-plant 

 showed a manifest advance. This difference 

 increased rapidly and was easily seen in the 

 beds, even before the flowering period. 



This experience j^robably gives an explana- 



