ON THE CHESTNUT 
tendency to vary in this regard was accentuated by 
hybridization just as were other tendencies. Or, 
stated otherwise and a little more technically, the 
hybridization has made possible the segregation of 
hereditary characteristics, bringing to the surface 
factors for spinelessness that no doubt have been 
transmitted as recessive traits for a very large 
number of generations. 
Doubtless there was a time when the chestnut 
did not have a spiny bur. 
So my spineless variety, when perfected, will 
represent a remote reversion, or the bringing to 
the surface of a tendency that has long been sub- 
merged. 
No doubt difficulties will be involved in perfect- 
ing the race of chestnuts with smooth burs similar 
to those that attended the development of the 
thornless blackberry and the spineless cactus. But 
there is reason to expect that the same measure of 
success will be attained with the chestnut that was 
attained with the other spine bearers. 
A nut that combines all the good qualities of 
my hybrid early bearing chestnuts and in addition 
is born in a spineless bur would have a combina- 
tion of qualities that should appeal to the orchard- 
ist, and doubtless will do so when the idea that 
nuts may form valuable commercial crops gains 
wider vogue. 
[129] 
