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.”
[139] This is of course on account of the maternal seed characters.
Unless the coat-characters are treated separately from the
cotyledon-characters Laxton’s description is very accurate. Both
this and the statements respecting the “shape” of the seeds, a term
which as used by Laxton means much more than merely “wrinkled” and
“smooth,” are recognizably true as general statements.
[140] Separation of hypallelomorphs.
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].”
[141] The combinations being exhausted. Perhaps Professor Weldon
thought his authority was here lapsing into palpable nonsense!
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.