[56] K. Pearson, Grammar of Science, 2nd ed. 1900, p. 36.
[57] Grammar of Science, 2nd ed. 1900, p. 480.
[58] Phil. Trans. 1900, vol. 195, A, p. 121.
[59] “If this be done, we shall, I venture to think, keep not only our minds, but our points for observation, clearer; and further, the failure of Mr Galton’s statement in the one case will not in the least affect its validity in the other.” Pearson (32), p. 143.
[60] Grammar of Science, 1900, p. 494. See also Pearson, Proc. Roy. Soc. 1900, LXVI. pp. 142–3.
[61] On an average of cases, in equal numbers, as Mendel found.
[62] Read in this connexion Pearson, K., Grammar of Science, 2nd ed. 1900, pp. 390–2.
Professor Weldon even now opens his essay with the statement—or perhaps reminiscence—that “it is perfectly possible and indeed probable that the difference between these forms of inheritance [blended, mosaic, and alternative] is only one of degree.” This may be true; but reasoning favourable to this proposition could equally be used to prove the difference between mechanical mixture and chemical combination to be a difference of degree.
[63] The whole question as to seed-coat colour is most complex. Conditions of growth and ripening have a great effect on it. Mr Arthur Sutton has shown me samples of Ne Plus Ultra grown in England and abroad. This pea has yellow cotyledons with seed-coats either yellow or “blue.” The foreign sample contained a much greater proportion of the former. He told me that generally speaking this is the case with samples ripened in a hot, dry climate.
Unquestionable Xenia appears occasionally, and will be spoken of later. Moreover to experiment with such a plant-character an extra generation has to be sown and cultivated. Consequently the evidence is meagre.