THE SELF-FERTILIZATION OF PLANTS. 381 



each of the mongrels starts out, in a different direction, 

 towards the perfect type of its species, and there is but 

 little chance, if crossing be continued, of ever getting 

 them uniform again, until they attain their goal. The 

 case, where the mongrels may be made uniform, is 

 unique. 



On p. 121, Vol. ii, Animals and Plants, &c, Darwin 

 says: 



" The history of a variety of wheat, which was raised 

 from two very distinct varieties, and which, after six 

 years' culture, presented an even sample, has been 

 recorded on good authority." 



In this case, the wheat must have been grown for 

 those six years upon the same piece of ground. In 

 no other way, could they have been brought under 

 subjection. 



Planters are jealous of the development, in their 

 plants, of any characters other than the special excel- 

 lence. They even grudge other characters, the chemi- 

 cal elements, and even the carbonic acid of the atmos- 

 phere, which are needful for their growth. The preju- 

 dice they entertain, respecting a cross (which starts the 

 development of all the characters of the plant), may, 

 therefore, be appreciated. Planters have never had 

 more than two ideas, on the subject of the cultiva- 

 tion of Plants, namely, Selection, and " Fertilizers ;" 

 despite the fact that every plant, under their care 

 has ever been vocal, with the cry, that the true Fer- 

 tilizer is proportionate development. Full, propor- 

 tionate development may, at times, not consist with the 

 profit of the planter ; but that degree of proportionate 



