Utricularia catch freshwater Crustaceans, which cannot be digested and rot in the bladders. CD is interested to identify any substance produced in the putrefaction before it is resolved into gases and salts of ammonia. He has reason to believe that the plant absorbs such products.

Acknowledges the information about the phosphate and about putrefaction. Regrets that there is no knowledge of the conjectured substance. [See 9671.]

Requests permission to call upon EF any morning from Saturday through Tuesday.

His samples of earth have been sent for analysis. EF has saved CD and his son from wasted experimenting.

Requests chemical analysis of sample of both natural and burnt soil.

Gratitude for the invaluable assistance. Is disappointed that natural soil is richer than burnt. Problem of securing sufficient chemically pure soil to test growth of plants.

Asks whether he may call to discuss a chemico-physiological point.

Thanks for the Blue Book [Report to the Local Government Board on the water supplied to London].

Gives instructions for sending the pure water.

Has sent for the Wenham ice.

Enjoyed his talk with EF.

Fears that the promised bottle of pure water may have been despatched or stolen in passage. [See 11768a.]

Gives results of the experiments: the leaves in most cases make the water alkaline. It cannot be ammonia. He and his son, Francis, suspect potash, which is valued as a manure. Will be grateful for the analysis EF has offered.

Hearty thanks for the two bottles of pure water.

May CD’s son send some bottles of water, in which Pelargonium leaves have been immersed, for more precise analysis of the potassium or other soluble ash? Can EF recommend a professional analyst to take on further experiments?

Asks EF to sign enclosed certificate if he thinks Raphael Meldola deserves being elected F.R.S. [See 13674.] Requests that his note with certificate be passed on to Norman Lockyer.