Questions on breeding of plants: variation in established versus new varieties; predominance of wild species and old varieties when crossed with newer forms; predominance of males versus females; correlations between ease of hybridisation and tendency to vary and undergo cultivation; reversion; correlations between hybridisation and geographic distribution.

In WH’s Amaryllidaceae [1837], does he intend to say crossing is inimical to fertility?

[Sent via J. S. Henslow; note to amanuensis Syms Covington.]

Replies to CD’s questions on plant hybridisation and laws of inheritance. Rejects predominant transmission of characters by established forms. Males show predominance, but congeniality of parents’ constitution to climate and soil more important. No correlation between hybridisation and variability, cultivation, and geographical distribution. Rejects reversion.

Describes experiments in Hippeastrum in which pollen from another species proved more fertile than plant’s own pollen.

Did not intend to say that crossing is inimical to fertility.

Sends a book [his translation of Goethe’s Hermann u. Dorothea] as a wedding gift.

[Note forwarding 503.]

Lord Fitzwilliam’s gardener does not believe in hybrid ferns.

Thanks WW for wedding gift.

Expresses admiration for his History of the inductive sciences [1837].

Acknowledges, on behalf of the Geological Society, receipt of the Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France, vol. 9, feuilles 29, 34.

Returns Whewell’s presidential address to the Geological Society of London (Whewell 1839), and suggests that ‘rules’ be changed to ‘customs’.

Sends fee for admission to the Geological Society and a signed obligation.