[15]

Loiseleur Deslongchamps Cereales p. 208-219 — small grains produce as fine plants as large grains — some exaggeration shown by Halletts researches— but may be that selection has increased the starch beyond needs of plant & certainly injurious by attracting Birds— (as Humboldt remarked) — Perhaps Bears on the Convolvulus plants (April. 1870) from very small & poor aphis-injured self-seed growing finer than crossed seeds— These seeds sh cd grow faster & perhaps have taken possession of ground of Pot, & so beaten crossed Plants —

[Cross and self fertilisation, p. 354: "Loiseleur-Deslongchamp ('Les Céréales' 1842 pages 208-219) was led by his observations to the extraordinary conclusion that the smaller grains of cereals produce as fine plants as the large. This conclusion is, however, contradicted by Major Hallet's great success in improving wheat by the selection of the finest grains. It is possible, however, that man, by long-continued selection, may have given to the grains of the cereals a greater amount of starch or other matter, than the seedlings can utilise for their growth. There can be little doubt, as Humboldt long ago remarked, that the grains of cereals have been rendered attractive to birds in a degree which is highly injurious to the species."]

[15v]

but this & cannot be advanced as ad at all the c common result or test of of the union specific distinct of the distinct parent species.