Showing 21–39 of 39 items
Replies to CD’s questions. Advice on use of term "morphology". Is much struck by CD’s idea that uniformity of an organ throughout a group implies functional inutility; the paradox of this position for classification.
Dedication of Malay Archipelago to CD.
Comments on scientific papers.
Gives observations on the coincidence of nectar secretion and the opening of the anthers in Aucuba.
Sends CD another piebald potato and a spray of holly, from Mr Fish, discussed in Gardeners’ Chronicle of 22 Jan [1869, p. 83].
Discusses fertilisation of Aucuba and Polygala.
No paradox that unimportant characters are important systematically. This view removes heavy burden from CD’s shoulders. Relief that JDH does not object.
On development of horns in merino sheep. Encloses reports from herdsmen he has approached.
Is assembling apparatus of lenses and reflector to observe flower from opening to first shedding of pollen, and to determine whether fertilisation is by night- or day-feeders.
Will also examine reasons for absence of nectar in Polygala linaria.
Is trying to determine conditions governing whether or not a salmon will rise for a fly.
Answer to CD’s query as to whether horns on deer are for use or ornament. [See Descent 2: 252–3.]
Sends a paper on reproductive modes of Leptodera ["Organisation und Fortpflanzen von Leptodera", Schr. Ges. Beförd. Naturw. Marburg (1869)].
Criticises Ernst Haeckel’s work as too unripe and enthusiastic.
Asks CD for some specimens of cirripedes in pupal stage for a work in progress.
Believes Portuguese habit of removing tails of pointers is responsible for birth of some tailless dogs.
On development of horns in fawns of fallow deer.
Argues that [general variability] of species, not single variations or sports, is basis for modification and adaptation to new conditions.
DF’s opinion of Gustav Jenzsch’s book [Mikroskopische Flora und Fauna (1868)]. Encloses extract of a letter from Ferdinand Zirkel also mentioning Jenzsch’s work.
Requests authorisation to translate Journal of researches into French.
Does not fact that characters important in systematics are often of no use, corroborate CD’s view that such characters, if not detrimental, may persist ad infinitum?
Social news.
Sends a letter from Capt Forrest, recommending a Mr Knight.
A list of investments presumably belonging to CD.