Observations on orchids. Ophrys apifera; confirms CD’s observation on pollinia. The nesting of ducks in trees is an example of change of instinct and habit.
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The Charles Darwin Collection
The Darwin Correspondence Project is publishing letters written by and to the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Complete transcripts of letters are being made available through the Project’s website (www.darwinproject.ac.uk) after publication in the ongoing print edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (Cambridge University Press 1985–). Metadata and summaries of all known letters (c. 15,000) appear in Ɛpsilon, and the full texts of available letters can also be searched, with links to the full texts.
Observations on orchids. Ophrys apifera; confirms CD’s observation on pollinia. The nesting of ducks in trees is an example of change of instinct and habit.
Sorry he will be away when CD comes down.
Congratulations on Henrietta Darwin’s engagement.
Asks CD for seeds of some plants.
Suggests possible experiments with Pisum and Lathyrus.
Has read the article CD spoke of; the doctrine of inherited mental and corporeal qualities is most fertile.
Observations on Coronilla.
Hopes affairs will enable him to get back to flowers.
Huxley’s letter [about the fund raised for him] was noble. Would like to have seen CD’s to him.
Observations on effect of water on leaves.
Coronilla.
Further observations concerning the fertilisation of Coronilla by bees.
Reflections concerning the influence of cultivation (i.e., ploughing) upon variation.
Payne will send vine cuttings.
Thomas Belt has been visiting; they are to meet Huxley.
He is moved by denudation of the Weald.
Describes difficulty of conditions for the experiment with Drosera suggested by THF.
Thanks THF for information from Colonial Office on population statistics showing the inhabitants of some areas are far from becoming sterile.
THF is seeking advice regarding the selection of an entomologist to carry out some duties [apparently pest destruction].
CD is delighted with report from THF about activity of worms in Roman-British ruins at Abinger.
Thanks THF for the diary of worm activity at Abinger site.
THF would do a good deal if he gets Agricultural Society to rear cross-fertilised seeds. Society excellent channel for distribution of fungus-proof variety [of potato]. If James Torbitt will carry on work another year, CD will offer him £100.
Describes James Torbitt’s plan for producing disease-resistant potato varieties. [Letter is an earlier version of 11406.]
Agricultural Society will not do potato experiments. Torbitt telegraphs that seeds to be sown tomorrow. Memorial with a few signatures might get grant from Government. Hooker believes plan the right one.
Forwards letter from James Caird concerning funds for potato experiments. CD will correct his letter to THF [11389] and then forward it to Hooker for his opinion.
If THF and James Caird [Enclosure Commissioner] approve of enclosed letter, CD will send it to Hooker.
Has returned letter to Caird and dispatched corrected letter to Hooker [11406] [concerning potato experiments].