THE MENDELIAN THEORY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 663, 25 April 1914, Page 2

THE MENDELIAN THEORY.

When Mendels' work—the discovery' of the principles underlying the law of hereditay—was discovered some thirty-five years after his announcement, it was difficult to see how such a theory could bs applied to the advantage of the farmer. Indeed, it is doubtful if now there are many farmers who have even a passing knowledge of the theory. Indirectly, however, ihs di;covery of Mendel is bearing fruit to the farmer's benefit. The theory has given Prof. Biffen, of Cambridge, a guide in breeding a rust-resistant wheat, which he has actually accomplished. The theory is also being put into practice in experiments in breeding a special type of horse for Army work. Others are applying the theory in the direction of producing a blight-proof potato. There ia no doubt that when the theory is better understood it will assist breeders in reaching the goal they ara all working for, the perfecting of tha special breed they are interested in. No doubt those who are celebrated in the breeding world, as having improved the quality of any breed of animal, have a genius for their work, and probably in some manner unknown to themselves have worked on niu:h the same lines. When wo have the theory systematised and brought into practice, we shall no doubt be able to fix a type with greater certainty, and have more satisfaction than even the most successful breeders have had hitherto.