Discusses hybrid strawberry–raspberry
and his research on Primula and Linum.
Suggests breeding experiments.
Doubtful about Donald Beaton’s statement about Pelargonium.
Mentions experiments on peloric flowers.
Discusses hybrid strawberry–raspberry
and his research on Primula and Linum.
Suggests breeding experiments.
Doubtful about Donald Beaton’s statement about Pelargonium.
Mentions experiments on peloric flowers.
Urges JS to publish on orchid pollen-tubes.
Suggests comparing stigmatic tissue of sterile hybrids and fertile parent; he would expect hybrid plant’s cell contents not to be coagulated after 24 hours in spirits of wine.
Suggests JS coat orchid stigmas with plaster of Paris for his work on rostellar germination.
Asks for list of "bud-variation" cases; CD has devoted a chapter to the subject.
Inquiries about I. Anderson-Henry’s observational competence.
Thanks JvH for his address [to the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury], his Geological Report [Topographical and geological exploration of the western districts of the Nelson province, New Zealand (1861)],
and for the "honourable" notice of Origin.
CD especially interested in JvH’s facts on the old glacial period.
Asks about fossil remains [of supposed living mammalia] which CD thinks may be like "the Solenhofen bird-creature" [Archaeopteryx].
Urges the recording of rate and manner of spreading of European weeds and plants and observation on which native plants "most fail".
Asks that a copy of Origin be sent to Thomas Rivers.
Curious about sale of Orchids. It is too stiff for the public. "If praise from Botanists would sell, it would go off well."
Impressed with TFJ’s Glen Roy paper.
TFJ has treated CD’s errors very gently.
Has received the two trees sent by TR. Is anxious to see the fruit of the double peach.
The Origin is being sent.
Asks about insect fertilisation of Melastomataceae.
Has WBT ever heard of a case of the regeneration of monstrous (extra) toe on fowls?
Inquires about a curious pigeon reported at the Philoperisteron [pigeon fanciers’ club].
Congratulations on marriage, which CD considers the best and only chance for happiness in this world.
Glad HWB is near completion of book.
Begs him to thank Wallace for Melastoma information; CD "cannot endure being beaten by a beggarly flower".
Asks FB’s help in identifying an article in The Field about the fins of fishes growing again after being cut off, and inquiring whether he has heard of the re-growth of organs in the mammalia or birds.
Remarks on the influence of pollen of one species or variety on the seed and fruit of another while still attached to the female plant. Refers to a remarkable case previously given by D. Beaton and asks whether Beaton will repeat the details.
[CD’s letter is followed by notes by D. Beaton in which he answers CD’s question, dissociating himself from some of his remarks, and in particular denying C. F. v. Gärtner’s claim that colour of one variety of pea can be changed by the direct action of the pollen of a different variety.]
Naudin has not answered CD’s letter.
Reactions of Candolle, Naudin, Decaisne, and Gaston de Saporta to Origin.
CD’s new hothouse.
CD’s Linum paper.
JDH’s work on Welwitschia.
Thanks FR for sketch of progress of evolutionary theory in Germany.
Compliments to Gustav Jäger.
Comments on FR’s book [Ch. Darwin’s Lehre (1863)].
Thanks RT for his letter and MS.
Is astonished by the different forms of orchids he describes.
Urges RT to describe and experiment with two or three of the more distinct genera.
"I believe, or am inclined to believe in one or very few primordial forms, from community of structure and early embryonic resemblances in each great class."
CD thinks that he believes in as much migration as AdeC, only he does not believe nearly so much in continental extensions. CD also believes more in modification in form though he suspects the difference is not so great.
Thanks AdeC for information on melons, oranges,
and Swiss lake-habitation discoveries.
CD is almost tired of his book on variation under domestication, for his knowledge is insufficient to treat the plant part well, but he has done so much that he will finish it.