188 THE FORMATION OP VARIETIES. 



(p. 304, Vol. ii), in speaking of the action of the condi- 

 tions : 



" Even the seeds, nurtured in the same capsule, are 

 not subjected to absolutely uniform conditions, as they 

 draw their nourishment from different points." 



And again (p. 337, Vol. ii): 



"Slight variations of many kinds * * * are 

 retained as long as plants are grown in certain soils, 

 of which Sageret gives, from his own experience, some 

 instances." 



These conditions, entailing slight changes, or slight 

 advances in re-development, in the neglected parts, it 

 may be well carefully to note ; as they resolve the 

 puzzling (to Darwin) phenomena of the Self-Impotence, 

 and of the Crossing of plants. 



Darwin says : 



"The Relative position of flowers, with respect to 

 the axis, and of seeds in the capsules," has some 

 effect, in "inducing variability." 



" With cultivated plants," he says, " it is far from 

 rare, to find the petals, stamens, and pistils represented 

 by rudiments." 



Again, he says : 



" The chemical qualities, odors, and tissues of 

 plants are often modified by a change which seems to 

 us slight. The Hemlock is said not to yield conicine, 

 in Scotland. The root of the Aconitum napellus 

 becomes innocuous, in frigid countries. The medicinal 

 properties of the Digitalis are easily affected," &c, &c. 



"With all improved Plants, * * they (floricul- 

 turists and agriculturists) examine the seedlings, and 

 destroy those which depart from the proper type." 



