From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
William Turner Thiselton-Dyer
Date:
23 Nov [1880]
Source of text:
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Darwin: Letters to Thiselton-Dyer, 1873–81: ff. 209–11)
Summary:
WTT-D’s suggestion about absorbent function of pegs in Abronia suggests origin of pegs in Welwitschia, which deeply interests CD. Previously could not see how pegs became large enough to be of mechanical use. Now thinks tissue between hypocotyl and radicle absorbs fluid, which would favour rise of peg to expose larger surface.
Rejects German contempt for investigating use of organs.
Asks WTT-D to observe how worms draw Robinia leaves into burrows.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project