Latent Characters 227 



distinguishing mark. In the other this mark is 

 only reduced to an inactive or dormant state. 

 The fact of its recurrence from time to time, 

 and of its return with all the secondary charac- 

 teristics of the previous quality, is a manifest 

 proof of the existence of some relation between 

 the lost and the resumed peculiarity. Evident- 

 ly as this relation cannot be accounted for on 

 the assumption of an absolute disappearance, 

 something must remain from which the old fea- 

 tures may be restored. 



This lengthy discussion may be closed by the 

 citation of the cases, in which plants not only 

 show developmental features of a former state, 

 but also reproduce the special features, they 

 formerly had, but seemingly have lost. Two 

 good illustrative examples may be given. One 

 is afforded by the wheat-ear carnation, the 

 other by some green dahlias, and both have oc- 

 curred of late in my own cultures. 



A very curious anomaly may from time to 

 time be observed in large beds of carnations. 

 It bears no flowers, but instead of them small 

 green ears, which recall the ears of wheat. 

 Thence the name of '' Wheat-ear " carnation. 

 On closer inspection it is easily seen, how they 

 originate. The normal flowers of the carna- 

 tions are preceded by a small group of bracts. 



