Comments on Hermann Müller’s article on the structure of Gunnera flowers.
Comments on Hermann Müller’s article on the structure of Gunnera flowers.
Thanks for THH’s essay on species [article for an American encyclopedia].
Will probably never again write on large and general subjects; will keep to easier specific ones such as insectivorous and climbing plants.
Is glad CD is working on cross- and self-fertilisation; reports recent works of botanists, notably Thomas Meehan’s ["Are insects any material aid to plants in fertilisation?", Philadelphia Press 13 Aug 1875], in which the importance of cross-fertilisation is denied.
Thanks CD for consenting to present his paper.
Asks whether he may send two or three other tubes [of boiled infusions] to be placed in the open and observed for him.
Stereotype plates of Climbing plants sent to D. Appleton’s agent.
A revised edition of Orchids would be desirable.
Asks that a copy of GHD’s paper on cousin marriage be sent to Hermann Müller. J. F. McLennan admires it "as a model".
Has found a spiral fibre in Drosera rotundifolia leaves which resembles animal muscle but is probably a modified ordinary plant fibre.
Asks JT to send the tubes [of boiled infusions]. Frank Darwin will do his best. Asks for full instructions.
Has sent a copy [of his article on cousin marriage] to Hermann Müller.
Problem he is now working on is a tough nut: "It does not do what [James Clerk] Maxwell said it wd or ought to do".
Report, from a reader of Expression, of a Negro boy’s monkey-like screams while having fractured femur adjusted without chloroform.
On HM’s Befruchtung der Blumen [1873].
Wants Imantophyllum for crossing experiments.
Is glad WTT-D thinks George King’s notes worth sending to the Linnean Society.
Will send vol. 1 [of Variation, 2d ed.] as soon as complete so that correspondent can decide about the translation.
CD is asked to testify before a Royal Commission on experiments on living animals.
CD would feel bound to give evidence to the Royal Commission on vivisection should they ask him, but he has no personal experience of the matter. Expresses his opinions on the importance to physiology of experiments on live animals.
Encloses an invitation to give evidence to Vivisection Commission. Satisfied with way things were going, but E. E. Klein’s evidence that he is utterly indifferent to pain of animals has done great mischief.
Acknowledges receipt of £2 8s 10d for 2d edition of Coral reefs.