[B45]

a)

Herbert Amaryllis

As I have alluded to the Horse Chesnut, it may shd be noted that only 1 ovule out of the set in each ovarium is dehisce out a seed & that only a very few of the many flowers form by the on the great number bunch of flower on the same tree produces a seed, & it may well be that these be are generally the product of cross-fertilisation. Of the many seed which are currently borne produced by a great tree during its whole life only one on an average only one will struggle into full growth maturity; & it may well probably be that such vigorous individuals are the product if a cross. Nature seems to care be nothing about so prodigious [illeg] this vigorous seedling will probably be a crossed one. Nature is reckless on the loss of life. & is often reckless of the means, however prodigious, if the if such destruction in the end it leads to any good result.)