CD thinks A. Günther’s tortoises are relics of closely allied forms, once widely distributed. Expressed this view to AG a few months ago. Cannot explain their restriction to volcanic islands.
CD thinks A. Günther’s tortoises are relics of closely allied forms, once widely distributed. Expressed this view to AG a few months ago. Cannot explain their restriction to volcanic islands.
Thanks for H. C. Watson’s interesting letter. Disagrees with him on intermediate varieties.
CD has read latest numbers of JDH’s The botany of the Antarctic voyage [pt I, Flora Antarctica (1844–7)]; notes several sentences against "us Transmutationists".
[Extract of letter to WJH from T. E. Cantor] on zoological distribution in the Malay Peninsula.
Delighted that Brongniart thinks Sigillaria aquatic, and that E. W. Binney thinks coal is a sort of submarine peat. Thinks coal-plants will prove to be aquatic, though JDH will sneer at this.
Has acquired a new microscope.
CD defends his position on submarine coal formation and coal-plants against JDH’s strong objections.
Thinks JDH should arrange his facts against the aquatic formation of coal.
JDH reports on Frank’s reading of his Dipsacus paper at the Royal Society. Huxley slept through much of it, but JDH is well pleased with it.
CD counters Thiselton-Dyer’s objection to protoplasmic filaments of Dipsacus protruding beyond cell-wall, as Frank’s paper claims, by citing white "blood cells passing through vessels".
Has received Moseley’s collection of photographs.
CD would like to call on JDH.
Oliver cannot, as CD has requested, hunt for trimorphic flowers in the Herbarium’s collection of Oxalis specimens. He would help Frank if he comes.
CD apologises for his burdensome request of Oliver.
Criticises JDH’s notice on Forsythia, which JDH said was dioecious. Forsythia sent to CD from Kew was heterostylous.
Will call on JDH on Thursday, if convenient.
Has heard JDH does not return until tomorrow, so will not be able to see him at Kew but hopes to do so at Oxford meeting of BAAS.
Bunbury and Falconer strongly against idea of coal being submarine.
CD regrets not being able to see JDH.
Encloses quasi-hybrid Laburnum.
Suggests a new view of symmetry of flowers.
Will discuss coal and species sketch at Oxford [BAAS meeting (1847)].
Gives further details on peculiar Laburnum.
Can JDH lend him a full treatise on grafting?
Encloses another specimen of the "bilateral" Laburnum flower.
JDH’s aunt cannot find lodgings for CD.
Similarities between floras of Tierra del Fuego, Van Diemen’s Land, and New Zealand; does not feel migration sufficient explanation.
CD has again become interested in "bloom" on plants; requests JDH’s help with seeds and plants.
JDH’s view of Thiselton-Dyer’s engagement to his daughter, Harriet.
JDH is pleased to help with "bloom" questions.