In support of his conclusions Professor Weldon adduces two passages from Laxton, some of whose testimony we have just considered. This further evidence of Laxton is so important that I reproduce it in full. The first passage, published in 1866, is as follows:—
“The results of experiments in crossing the Pea tend to show that the colour of the immediate offspring or second generation sometimes follows that of the female parent, is sometimes intermediate between that and the male parent, and is sometimes distinct from both; and although at times it partakes of the colour of the male, it has not been ascertained by the experimenter ever to follow the exact colour of the male parent[139]. In shape, the seed frequently has an intermediate character, but as often follows that of either parent. In the second generation, in a single pod, the result of a cross of Peas different in shape and colour, the seeds are sometimes all intermediate, sometimes represent either or both parents in shape or colour, and sometimes both colours and characters, with their intermediates, appear. The results also seem to show that the third generation or the immediate offspring of a cross, frequently varies from its parents in a limited manner—usually in one direction only, but that the fourth generation produces numerous and wider variations[140]; the seed often reverting partly to the colour and character of its ancestors of the first generation, partly partaking of the various intermediate colours and characters, and partly sporting quite away from any of its ancestry.”
Here Professor Weldon’s quotation ceases. It is unfortunate he did not read on into the very next sentence with which the paragraph concludes:—
“These sports appear to become fixed and permanent in the next and succeeding generations; and the tendency to revert and sport thenceforth seems to become checked if not absolutely stopped[141].”
Now if Professor Weldon instead of leaving off on the word “ancestry” had noticed this passage, I think his article would never have been written.
Laxton proceeds:—
“The experiments also tend to show that the height of the plant is singularly influenced by crossing; a cross between two dwarf peas, commonly producing some dwarf and some tall [? in the second generation]; but on the other hand, a cross between two tall peas does not exhibit a tendency to diminution in height.
“No perceptible difference appears to result from reversing the parents; the influence of the pollen of each parent at the climax or fourth generation producing similar results[142].”
The significance of this latter testimony I will presently discuss.
Professor Weldon next appeals to a later paper of Laxton’s published in 1890. From it he quotes this passage: