From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Thomas Henry Farrer, 1st baronet and 1st Baron Farrer
Date:
6 May [1869]
Source of text:
Linnean Society of London (LS Ms 299/1)
Summary:
Dislikes the use of the term "degradation" as applied to the closed flowers of Viola species. Species with such self-fertilising flowers also have flowers adapted for crossing. The development of closed flowers adapted to ensure a sufficient stock of seed is progressive.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project