Thanks for Geological survey of North Wales [1866]. Longs to return to the mountains with which he was once familiar, but did not understand.
CD believes most strongly in reversion. J. G. Kölreuter’s, K. F. v Gärtner’s, and some of Charles Naudin’s cases leave no doubt in his mind. Forgets whether Herbert gave cases but in conversation he certainly believed in it. Thinks Gärtner is right to say reversion occurs only rarely in plant hybrids which have not been cultivated. [See 5120.]
Variation
In response to CD’s request for bud-sports, he sends a piece of a fern-leaved beech.
Different forms of flowers of Rhamnus.
Has altered paper according to CD’s comments.
Returns books.
Thinks Rhamnus is a case of a dimorphic plant that has become dioecious.
"It [Rhamnus catharticus?] is certainly a case of dimorphic become dioecious."
Thanks GM for a specimen; it is a sport with which he is already familiar.
Polymorphism in Rhamnus.
Polymorphic flowers of Rhamnus [see Forms of flowers, p. 294].
Reports on his health.
Discusses a surveying expedition under Richard Charles Mayne on which his son will be Second Lieutenant; hopes to arrange for them to excavate some bones in the Falklands.
Sends flowers of the differing kinds [of Rhamnus?] with observations.
Has heard from B. J. Sulivan about the fossils at Gallegos, Patagonia. Would be a great haul for palaeontology if Duke of Somerset would encourage Capt. Mayne to collect them [on survey of Magellan Strait].
Tells JDH of a new map of world that he might use in his lecture [on "Insular floras", BAAS, 1866, J. Bot. Br. & Foreign 5 (1867): 23–31; Gard. Chron. (1867): 6, 27, 50, 75].
Impressed by H. Spencer’s last number, but each suggestion would require years of work to be of use to science.
Cuttings have arrived. Different flower forms [in Rhamnus?].
He has had a great struggle with Buckthorn, and would like CD to see the measurements some time.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Is grateful for the pamphlets on Standards and will inform him of any decisions made by the Committee. Comments on the various national standards and systems used.
Was flattered by JH's message and regrets JH was unable to be present at the Prize-giving. Thinks he may like to see the enclosed extract from Engineering on the tides. Thinks good will come from the Royal Commission on Coal.
Has seen JH's letter regarding the use of compressed air for working machinery in deep mines. Encloses two papers on the subject by one of his sons. Comments on the use FL has made of compressed air in his mines.