Has been consulting with Mrs Lyell about the possibility of publishing Lyell’s letters. Asks CD’s opinion on the matter.
Has been consulting with Mrs Lyell about the possibility of publishing Lyell’s letters. Asks CD’s opinion on the matter.
Thanks for comments on paper and references to related works. Clarifies points on colour distinction between energy-absorbing (green) and energy-expending (bright-hued) portions of plants and on the influence of flower colour in modifying the insect organism.
Further codicil to CD’s will to settle £14000 instead of £12000 on each child.
Discusses sterility of potato flowers.
What does Torbitt propose to do with CD’s £100; does he want another £100 now or soon?
Asks how much aid JT requires [for potato experiments].
Success of James Torbitt’s potato experiments so far does not warrant an application for Government aid.
Encloses proof of the Entomological Society’s Proceedings for February to show the use he has made of Fritz Müller’s letter [see 11319].
CD elected an honorary member of the Franklin Literary Society, who would like to commission a life-size portrait of him.
Asks RM to send a copy of the Entomological Society’s Proceedings to Fritz Müller.
Sales of [potato] varieties have reduced amount of money needed [for experiments].
Thanks for CD’s criticism and advice. The difficult question of whether varieties "wear out".
Asks her to observe seedlings of Neottia breaking the surface to see whether the flower stems grow straight up or form arches, and whether they secrete water that softens the surrounding ground.
CD and Frank think they have proved that function of plant sleep is to protect leaves from injury by chilling radiation. Requests plants for experiment to determine whether underside of leaf is hardier than upper.
Describes hereditary defect in ear muscle.
Discusses influence of wet nurse on infant.
Describes talking starlings.
James Caird does not think Torbitt’s success justifies application to Government. Torbitt has four acres planted with seedlings. Has sent back CD’s £100. Shall CD insist that he keep it?
Thanks FM for letter of 22 Feb [not found] on Lepidoptera. Will send it to Entomological Society to be read. FM’s earlier letters produced best discussions of the season.
Thanks for seeds of Viola.
He and Francis [Darwin] are at work on biology of seedling plants and wish to observe how the flowers penetrate the earth.
The Pontederia did not germinate, probably pressed too much [in post].
Thinks RM may like to see the enclosed [Fritz Müller letter].
Sending the further codicil to CD’s will.
Pleased that WN wishes to dedicate his book [Oregon: there and back (1878)] to him.
WN’s move from Down irreparable loss to the village.