In answer to CD’s queries, relates further details about feral sheep: they are sterile when wild, but can become tame again.
Showing 1–20 of 23 items
The Charles Darwin Collection
The Darwin Correspondence Project is publishing letters written by and to the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Complete transcripts of letters are being made available through the Project’s website (www.darwinproject.ac.uk) after publication in the ongoing print edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (Cambridge University Press 1985–). Metadata and summaries of all known letters (c. 15,000) appear in Ɛpsilon, and the full texts of available letters can also be searched, with links to the full texts.
In answer to CD’s queries, relates further details about feral sheep: they are sterile when wild, but can become tame again.
Role of humming-birds in plant fertilisation.
Alexander Agassiz has visited Down.
Sales of Facts and arguments for Darwin.
Encloses copy of T. H. Farrer letter [7015] and observations on the self-sterility of Eschscholzia.
Inquires about arrangements for the German translation and publication of their original Linnean Society papers [Collected papers 2: 3–19].
ARW thinks he has hit upon a solution to problem of geological time.
Further comments on arrangements for German translation of their joint paper.
Encloses a letter to which he had replied and saw no need for further attention.
Is glad CD likes the new edition [of Prehistoric times].
Has been lecturing in Scotland.
Provides further detail on his smooth-leaved holly tree with a spiny-leaved branch; his gardener asserts no budding or grafting has taken place.
Asks CD’s advice on procuring rabbits for experiments [to test Pangenesis by transfusing alien blood into does and breeding from them].
Sends seeds of Lathyrus and suggests an advantage of climbing plants is to shed their seeds in places secure from animals.
Contrary to F. Delpino, in JTM’s experience Ophrys aranifera is not sterile. However, seed germination is poor.
In a densely overgrown plot Convolvulus sabatius, not normally a twiner, becomes one.
Continues his extensive study on variability in Arbutus, and speculates on selection in fruit shape.
CD’s letter on his behalf made a great impression, but his candidacy nevertheless failed, largely owing to the hostility of Claude Bernard. CD’s opinion sustains his belief that his work will be a service to science.
Has given the right of translation [of Descent] to Julius Victor Carus of Leipzig, so the recipient should inform Alexander Duncker to communicate with JVC.
Discusses dimorphic and trimorphic plants; mentions especially Rubiaceae and a dimorphic monocotyledon.
Notes observations on the monstrous male flowers of Begonia,
and on self-sterile plants.
Observations on expression and variation in Asian peoples: when colour of beard and hair differ, beard is always lighter. Differences in swimming strokes. Polydactylism.
Has just sent Hooker a paper on Sikkim tree-ferns [Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 30 (1875): 1–44, read 1870].
Has had fever since the end of the rains.
Encloses memorandum for CD concerning JLS’s career and the development of his transformist views.
Praises FG’s book [Hereditary genius (1869)]. CD is converted by its argument. Previously CD believed men did not differ much in intellect, but only in zeal and hard work.
Has received letter from Appleton’s that they agree to reprint from the latest edition of the Origin [5th English] and will add corrections sent by CD.
They wish also to receive early sheets of new book [Descent] on which they will pay £10.
Will send cheque for sales of Origin, based on older agreement between Appleton’s and Asa Gray to pay CD 5%.
Greatly pleased by approbation from CD, whom he admires and whose Origin did much for him.
Thanks AD for his work. CD regrets he is not a better German scholar, but he must endeavour to understand AD’s views.
Has seen some natives who express surprise by clapping the hand to mouth.
Reports on a tribe that sells its ugliest slaves in order to maintain its uniformly fine appearance.
In America in 1867 Darwinism was a fait accompli. Asa Gray’s religious defence unnecessary after Theodore Parker and Emerson.
Asks CD to which journal she should send her Lychnis paper and whether she may quote extracts from his letters to her.