Imperial Valley press., 1913-09-06
(By Luther Burbank.)

The more usual concept of the for
nation of species is by slow varia-
tions so we'll known as the Darwinian
theory, which, though attacked from
every point, still is and must always
in the main be accepted, for without
question it gives the fundamental
principles of evolution as had never
before been done. Yet the boundlesS
amount of research along these lines
during the last half century has de-
veloped strong new sidelights which
illuminate, and in some cases compel a
slightly different view of some of the
suggestions of the master, Darwin.
During the period of forty years
that l have been experimenting with
plant life, both in bleak New England
and in sunny California, extensively
operating on much more than 450O
distinct species Of plants, including all
known economic and ornamental plant
forms which are grown in the open al
in temperate and -tropic climates,
as we'll as many of those commonly
grown in greenhouses, and numerous
absolutely new, not before domesti-
Gated, and on a scale never before at
tempted by any individual or body Of
individuals, numerous general princi-
pies have pressed themselves forward
for discussion and observation. Only
one of these can be discussed at this
time, and this briefly, more as a text
for further observations and expert
ments than as anything like full
view of this highly interesting mode
of species formation.
In the first place, let me say that
our so-called species are only tenta-
tive bundles of plants, no two indi-
viduals of which are exactly alike, but
nearly all Of which quite closely re-
semble each other in general outside
appearances and in hereditary tenden-
cies. Yet no one can tell just what
the result will be when combinations
Of these inherent tendencies are
crossed or subjected TO any other dis
turbing factor or factors. Like the
chemist who has new elements to
work with, we may predict with some
degree of accuracy what the general
results will be, but any definite
knowledge Of the results Of these com
binations is far more difficult, even
impossible, as the life forces of plants
and animals act in infinitely more new
directions than can any ordinary num-
Der of combinations of chemicals.
Only a few years ago it was gen
orally supposed that by crossing two
somewhat different species or va
irieties mongrel might be produced
which might, or more likely might not,
surpass it's parents.
The fact that crossing was only the
first step and that selection from the
numerous variations secured in the
second and few succeeding genera
tions was the real work Of new plant
creation had never been appreciated;
and today its significance is not fully
understood either by breeders or even
by many scientific investigators along
these very lines. Old tailings are con-
stantly being worked over at great ex-
pense Of time and small profit, while
the mother lode is repudiated and
neglected.
Plant breeding to be successful must
be conducted like architecture. Defin-
ite plans must be carefully laid for
the proposed creation; suitable ma
terials selected with Judgment, and
these muct be securely placed in their
proper order and position. No occu-
patton requires more accuracy, fore
sight and skill than does scientific
plant or animal breeding.
AS before noted, the first gene, a.
ton after a cross has been made is
usually more or less coGlplete blend
c. all the characteristics Of both par.
cnts; not only the visible che cacters
Lat an Infinite number Oh invisible
ones are inherent and will shape the
future character and destiny Of the
! descendants, often producing other
wise unaccountable so-called muta-
tions; saltations or sports, the selec-
tion and perpetuation of which give tc
new plant creations their unique form
and often priceless values, like the
Burbank potato produced thirty-six
years ago and which is now grown
on this western coast almost to. the
exclusion of all others 14OOO. .OO,,
bushels per annum, besides tn. va st
amount grown in the eastern United
States and other countries), or the
Bartlett pear, and navel oranges. all