Busy correcting proofs. Thanks for JDH’s remarks; asks him to send any other corrections soon; goes to press with second part of Journal of researches in less than a week.
Urges collections of all kinds on any isolated islands.
Showing 121–140 of 381 items
Busy correcting proofs. Thanks for JDH’s remarks; asks him to send any other corrections soon; goes to press with second part of Journal of researches in less than a week.
Urges collections of all kinds on any isolated islands.
Answers CD’s questions relating to the flora of the Galapagos. [See 889.]
The translation of Humboldt’s Kosmos [Cosmos (1846–58)] is delayed.
Gives instances of peculiar genera with several good species in very small islands. Scarcity of insects on islands.
JDH cannot prove that there is much hybridising, but does not see why there should not be. "Bother variation, development & all such subjects, it is reasoning in a circle I believe after all."
Raises some points for revision of CD’s Journal of researches.
Southern island floras. "The more I ponder upon Insular Floras the less inclined I am to admit the mutation of species to any very great amount."
A son [George Howard Darwin] was born on Wednesday.
Sends queries on Galapagos flora.
Discusses JDH’s comments on [Journal of researches].
CD feels that with his views on descent "really Nat. Hist. becomes a sublimely grand result-giving subject".
"How differently people view the same subject, for I look at insular Floras … as leading to an opposite view to yours."
Thanks for facts on solitary islands having several species of peculiar genera; "it knocks on the head some analogies of mine".
Has long been trying to discover in how many flowers crossing is probable, but finds it difficult to show "even a vague probability of this".
Will JDH proof-read Galapagos chapter of Journal of researches?
Gives information on his Galapagos collection; explains why it differs from others.
Sorry to hear about condition of JDH’s grandfather.
Sends proofs of Galapagos chapter of Journal of researches.
Grieves to hear labels are displaced on his plants.
May he annotate [F. Gérard’s] L’espèce [(1844), extracted from Dictionnaire universel d’histoire naturelle, ed. C. D. d’Orbigny (1839–49)]?
Anxious to hear of JDH’s prospects [at Edinburgh].
Has completed his Journal of researches.
JDH’s grandfather’s death.
Collecting testimonials for the Edinburgh chair.
Condolences on JDH’s grandfather’s death.
When his wife can move, they will go to Staffordshire.
Returns some books; would like to see copy of Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt]. Would be proud owner of JDH’s work [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].
The most experienced botanists argue for the "validity of species in nature". Against taxonomic "splitters".
CD’s Cape Tres Montes plants.
Going to Shrewsbury on Monday.
Means to attempt the question of species: "though I shall get more kicks than half-pennies, I will, life serving, attempt my work".
Thanks for Journal of researches.
Puzzled over pea flower from Cape Tres Montes.
Thinks species a fair and most profitable subject for discussion, but has no formed opinion of his own.
Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt] has arrived safely.
CD acknowledges his presumption in speculating on variation without having worked out his due share of species, but "for nine years it has been anyhow the greatest amusement to me".
Sorry to hear JDH did not get Edinburgh chair. Invites him to Down.
Would like to see JDH’s testimonials.
Disappointed with Kosmos.
Has visited Dean of Manchester, who is very heterodox on species.
Thanks for Antarctic flora [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].
Agrees geographical distribution will be "the key which will unlock the mystery of species".
Could JDH look over a rough sketch on species?
Comments on JDH’s Flora Antarctica. CD is delighted with it.
"I can never cease marvelling at the similarity of the Antarctic floras: it is wonderful."
Questions JDH on points raised by the work: absence of alpine flora on southern islands; comparison of climate and floras of Tasmania and New Zealand.
Answers CD’s queries arising from Flora Antarctica.
Would like CD to come to town and go over Galapagos plants with him.
Is busy with shell work and cannot make it to Kew. Invites JDH to Down. Intends asking Edward Forbes and Hugh Falconer.