Page:Mendel's principles of heredity; a defence.pdf/85

Rh of the combination series, 4ⁿ the number of individuals which belong to the series, and 2ⁿ the number of unions which remain constant. The series therefore embraces, if the original stocks differ in four characters, 3⁴ = 81 of classes, 4⁴ = 256 individuals, and 2⁴ = 16 constant forms; or, which is the same, among each 256 offspring of the hybrids there are 81 different combinations, 16 of which are constant.

All constant combinations which in Peas are possible by the combination of the said seven differentiating characters were actually obtained by repeated crossing. Their number is given by 2⁷ = 128. Thereby is simultaneously given the practical proof that the constant characters which appear in the several varieties of a group of plants may be obtained in all the associations which are possible according to the [mathematical] laws of combination, by means of repeated artificial fertilisation.

As regards the flowering time of the hybrids, the experiments are not yet concluded. It can, however, already be stated that the period stands almost exactly between those of the seed and pollen parents, and that the constitution of the hybrids with respect to this character probably happens in the same way as in the case of the other characters. The forms which are selected for experiments of this class must have a difference of at least twenty days from the middle flowering period of one to that of the other; furthermore, the seeds when sown must all be placed at the same depth in the earth, so that they may germinate simultaneously. Also, during the whole flowering period, the more important variations in temperature must be taken into account, and the partial hastening or delaying of the flowering which may result therefrom. It is clear that this experiment presents many difficulties to be overcome and necessitates great attention. B.