Discusses case of Cytisus graft described by JJW.
Discusses case of Cytisus graft described by JJW.
Yellow flowers occurring on a purple Cytisus grafted onto a yellow stock.
Yellow and purple flowers occur on plant grafted with Cytisus purpureus, but only on separate racemes. Only yellow blooms seed.
Is very interested in JJW’s report on a purple laburnum grafted onto yellow stock which then produces yellow flowers. CD requests racemes to examine.
Sends CD some of the Cytisus, which has produced yellow flowers on a purple graft.
Regarding Cytisus graft with yellow flowers, CD thinks nurseryman has sold Cytisus adami to JJW’s brother in place of C. purpureus. This explains apparent "sport". [P.S. on envelope:] C. purpureus seeds freely. C. adami never does.
JJW is to think no more about mistake [regarding Cytisus graft].
E. Ray Lankester blackballed by Linnean Society. Another election planned. Would JJW use his influence in Lankester’s favour?
Declines invitation to accompany JJW to Crystal Palace.
Promises to propose JJW for membership in Zoological Society.
Sympathises with JJW’s enthusiasm about the Danais and hopes it may become naturalised in this country.
Discusses mule’s resemblance to parents.
Comments on JJW’s observations on mule
and hermaphroditism in hybrid moths.
Thanks JJW for his paper on apterous insects [see 5939], which contained much new information.
Asks JJW for any information he may have on sexual selection.
Describes an experiment, still untried, of staining tail-feathers of male pigeons in bright colours to find the effect on courtship.
JJW’s note on birds was one of the most interesting CD has ever received. Asks several questions. CD is puzzled by cases of magpies whose mates were killed but who always immediately found others.
Alexander Wallace denies any effect of colour in sexual selection among Lepidoptera.
Discusses beaks and relative numbers of the sexes of goldfinches.
Comments on sexual selection among butterflies.
Mentions Kerguelen moth collected by Hooker.
Comments on JJW’s observations on coloured birds.
Various facts about birds: pairing, finding new mates, protective coloration, polygamy, sexual differences.
Courtship of goldfinches. Male display. [See Descent 2: 95.]
Thanks for facts about birds displaying plumage during courtship; "for Butterflies I must trust to analogy altogether in regard to sexual selection".
Invites JJW to visit in summer.
Sexual selection of pigeons, ducks;
polygamous birds.
Glad to hear about pigeons. Did not know some birds could win affections of females more than others, except among peacocks.
Comments on polygamy in birds.
Discusses sex ratios among birds.