Will shortly return CD’s list of varieties of British plants. Discusses the situations in which different varieties of species are often found and the ranges of varieties relative to those of the species.
Finds he cannot annotate CD’s list of subspecies and varieties as wanted. Mentions again his difficulties with "species"; he "cannot find the proof of species being definite and immutable whatever they may seem to be at any one time and spot".
Discusses the ranges and distribution of varieties relative to the type species.
Believes that botanists tend to mark more varieties in large than in small genera, but notes that where many varieties of a species exist these varieties may well be passed over, whereas similar varieties of another species which are fewer in number may well be recorded.
Discusses the ranges of species in large and small genera; difficulties involved in limiting the discussion to Britain.
Extracts from MS of vol. 4 of HCW’s Cybele Britannica [1847–59] showing the diversity of views on species among botanists.
Believes natural selection will become recognised as an established truth in science, though it will shock the ideas of many men.
Sends a correction for Origin reprint.
Notes by HCW on the Origin dealing especially with divergence and convergence. Believes there is some natural tendency to converge into groups in opposition to divergence generated by natural selection.
Discusses the possibility of "convergence" occurring; believes it could be only very limited.
Returns reviews of Origin.
F. J. Pictet [Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. n.s. 7 (1860): 231–55] goes further than he himself realises.
Naturalists will resist CD’s views until faith in certain "impassable" barriers between existent species is shaken.
Gives CD an instance of convergence.
Difficulty of distinguishing varieties and species. Did HCW suggest a printed list that might help?
Polymorphic genera.
Distribution of varieties and subspecies.
George Maw’s review of the Origin [Zoologist 19 (1861): 7577–611].
Gives CD an instance of facts that can be read either way as to whether a plant (Veronica humifusa) is a species or a variety.
The Primula experiments of J. Sidebotham; HCW’s distrust of the results [see J. Sidebotham, "Specific identity of the cowslip and the primrose", Phytologist 3 (1849): 703–5].
Asks HCW’s help with his experiments on Lythrum salicaria, for which he needs flowers of the rare Lythrum hyssopifolia.
Cover containing some seeds mentioned in the letter to H. C. Watson, 28 May [1864], f.2 (S 4512).
Taeas [?] allied to L. hyssopifolia. [Cover containing packets of seed specimens.] Mentioned in the letter to H. C. Watson, 28 May [1864], f.2 (fS 4512).
Thanks HCW for Lythrum specimens.
CD has at last finished his Lythrum paper. ["Three forms of Lythrum", Collected papers 2: 106–31.]
