602 [Assembly 



occasioned by long continued propagation from the root, without re- 

 novation from the seed This inference appears to me reasonable, 

 because established principles of natural history justify it. 



It appears necessary: 



1st. Because the committee appointed by the Viceroy of Santa Fe 

 de Bogota, nearly one hundred years ago, to investigate the same 

 subject, after laborious research, reported that the disease was caused 

 by loss of vitality, which must be renewed by planting the seed from 

 the vines; and further, after five years they reported that among the 

 planters who had propagated new varieties from the seed balls of 

 healthy tubers, not a rotten potato could be found. This is a matter 

 of record found in the archives of the government. (See Mr. Wil- 

 liamson's statement Agricul. p. 44.) 



2d. Because the well attested facts, stated by Mr. Smith of Buffa- 

 lo, as the result of his experiments, prove the same thing. (Agricul. 

 p. 51 and Cul. p 21.) 



It may be stated also, that the Savans of Russia, appointed by the 

 Emperor, to investigate the subject have come to the same conclusion, 

 and induced the Emperor to order from this country, all the seed that 

 could be procured, as stated here by the venerable Mr. Thorburn. 



That the inference is fairly drawn from principles and facts in na- 

 tural history, 1 shall now attempt to show, and I hope to do it satis- 

 factorily to every candid mind. It may be proper here to state some 

 of these principles and facts; I offer the following propositions: 



1st. Although most plants may be propagated either by the seed 

 or by cuttings, the former method only can be perpetual ; the latter 

 cannot be continued for any length of time. 



2d. The progeny of any plant will possess all the essential pro- 

 perties, and generally most of the incidental properties of the pro- 

 genitor. 



3d. There is in the procreation of plants a tendency both to im- 

 provement and to deterioration. 



4th. The better the condition of the plant at the time of procre- 

 ation, the better will be the condition of the progeny. 



5th. Although great changes may be produced in plants, yet these 

 changes require time and frequently among reproductions. 



