Other
flowers on the same plant were crossed with fresh pollen from a plant
which, although closely similar, was known to have arisen as a distinct
seedling. The self-fertilised seeds germinated rather before the others;
but as soon as I got equal pairs they were planted on the opposite sides
of four pots.
TABLE 5/49. Pelargonium zonale.
Heights of plants measured in inches.
Column 1: Number (Name) of Pot.
Column 2: Crossed Plants.
Column 3: Self-fertilised Plants.
Pot 1 : 22 3/8 : 25 5/8.
Pot 1 : 19 6/8 : 12 4/8.
Pot 2 : 15 : 19 6/8.
Pot 2 : 12 2/8 : 22 3/8.
Pot 3 : 30 5/8 : 19 4/8.
Pot 3 : 18 4/8 : 7 4/8.
Pot 4 : 38 : 9 1/8.
Total : 156.50 : 116.38.
When the two lots of seedlings were between 4 and 5 inches in height
they were equal, excepting in Pot 4, in which the crossed plant was much
the tallest. When between 11 and 14 inches in height, they were measured
to the tips of their uppermost leaves; the crossed averaged 13.46, and
the self-fertilised 11.07 inches in height, or as 100 to 82. Five months
later they were again measured in the same manner, and the results are
given in Table 5/49.
The seven crossed plants now averaged 22.35, and the seven
self-fertilised 16.62 inches in height, or as 100 to 74. But from the
great inequality of the several plants, the result is less trustworthy
than in most other cases.
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