A MUCH DESIRED OENOTHERA 153 



on hybrids between 0. grandiflora and forms of 0. biennis which 

 show points of resemblance to Lamarckiana and behave in a 

 manner similar to Lamarckiana when grown through second and 

 third generations. If forms resembling Lamarckiana are found 

 growing wild in any part of America the mere record of their ob- 

 servation will be in no sense conclusive that the plant represents 

 a wild species. Its progeny must be tested through experimental 

 cultures, and their behavior alone will determine the character of 

 the original plant as in the case of the cultures just described from 

 the Santa Cruz plant. This is why we emphasize the importance 

 of checking field observations by experimental studies and empha- 

 size the necessity of collecting seed from any plant under observa- 

 tion. ' 



In conclusion the writer expresses the hope that botanists will 

 cooperate" with him in the study of the problems outlined above. 

 He hopes that observations will be promptly reported and speci- 

 mens sent to him and above all that seeds will be collected from 

 any plant that resembles Lamarckiana or the specimens on the 

 sheet in the Gray Herbarium. I shall be very glad to furnish 

 seed of Lamarckiana to anyone who wishes to grow the plant and 

 thus to become familiar with its characters. 



