162 JOURNAL OF THE EOYAL HORTIC ULTUK AL SOCIETY. 



united. It is an anomaly which may be used in speculations on the origin 

 of gamopetaly in the vegetable kingdom. For, when gamopetaly arises 

 as a variation among poppies, it evidently becomes probable that it may 

 have arisen in the same way, in some long past geological epoch, and then 

 have been the origin of the whole systematic group of gamopetalous 

 families. It is one of the most striking cases in which teratology explains 

 systematic affinity. It shows clearly the relation of this science to mor- 

 phology and taxonomy and it is, in a large measure, to the philosophical 

 mind of Masters that the now almost universal acceptance of this relation 

 is due. 



******** 



From the work, let us now turn to the man. With his high scientific 

 attainments Masters combined a wonderful capacity, willingness and 

 aptitude for instructing others. His whole career has been one of the 

 most useful in horticultural history. The application of botanical 

 science to gardening was the aim of his life. In return, he was able 

 to collect numerous horticultural facts forming an inexhaustible source 

 of information, especially for the student of practical evolution. His 

 work for the " Gardeners' Chronicle " brought him into close contact 

 with every-day practice and enabled him to guide it on a broad scientific 

 basis. He was a model for us all, and his example will remain for ever 

 an incentive to our best efforts. At the end of this first lecture, let us 

 bring him the tribute of our gratitude ! 



