Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.
Statement of money transactions with James Torbitt and record of year’s success enclosed. Torbitt desires him to return £90. He is doubtful of being able to continue this spring.
Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger.
On William Graham’s book [The creed of science (1881)].
Darwinism, chance, and the existence of evil.
More on W. Graham’s book, The creed of science. Chance and design. Happiness.
E. A. Darwin’s death [26 Aug 1881].
Has received Earthworms.
Requests that THF forward an enclosure if he thinks it proper. James Torbitt’s blunder in using the pollen of a diseased variety accounts for the bad varieties raised last year.
Potatoes [from Torbitt experiment] sent him for eating were very poor. Those for seed produced abundantly, but have not resisted disease better than other kinds that Payne [his gardener] has grown.
Raises a question about a statement in Orchids; his observations differ.
Is confirmed about the bending of the fly orchid pollinia. [See "Fertilisation of orchids", Collected papers 2: 141.]
Thanks THF for correcting the error in Orchids.
Asks him to find out what insects visit the fly orchid and for what purpose.
Describes work with pollinia of another Orchis species.
"I have seen the action on Ophrys exactly as you describe and am thoroughly ashamed of my inaccuracy."
Sends a paper he has written [on scarlet runner].
Comments on THF’s MS [on fertilisation of scarlet runners]. Suggests publication, though CD anticipated main features ten years before. Is amused at the caution with which THF put his case that the final end [of the contrivances] was crossing distinct individuals.
Encouraged by CD’s reply. Sends another paper, on blue Lobelia.
Asks advice on books.
Will send THF’s paper [on scarlet runners] to Annals and Magazine of Natural History with a note recommending publication [see 6384].
Suggests books on Lobelia.
Sends an addition to Lobelia paper; admires adaptations for fertilisation.
Informs THF that Annals and Magazine of Natural History will publish his paper [see 6384].
Wonderful how every flower one looks at is explained by, and throws light on, the fertilising process.
