Sends specimens from Indian Ocean atolls.
Showing 1–20 of 33 items
Sends specimens from Indian Ocean atolls.
Describes an orange tree with curious "horned" fruit; sends specimen. Asks if the horns represent "metamorphoses of some organ into the fruit orange".
Would like further experimentation to confirm report about germination of wheat from Egyptian tombs. Sir G. Wilkinson may have been deceived by the Arabs.
Reports on abortive anthers in flowers of thyme sent by CD.
Reports observations on the behaviour of captive harvest mouse and dormouse. When descending sticks mouse uses its tail like a prehensile-tailed monkey.
CD relates that Robert Brown is anxious to have [C. M.] Leman[n] elected librarian of the Linnean Society and urges JSH to come to vote for him. CD joins in the request.
CD gives JSH Fuegian paints and spears and a Pacific dolphin hook for his museum.
Comments on JSH’s botanical work with his parishioners. Lyell will be pleased that he has done some fossil botanical work.
Describes a Geological Society meeting about Edward Charlesworth’s complaints.
Recommends a method for destroying wasps' nests. Refers him to the Gardener's Chronicle for information on flowering Cape bulbs. Has no idea where he can obtain deodar seeds. Would like to see his paper on the influence of light on vegetable colors.
Calls CD’s attention to an article about William Herbert’s hybrid Narcissus.
Tells how W. Kemp found the seeds of Atriplex, which Lindley sent to JSH for identification.
Asks about monstrous plant mentioned by Lindley [see 690].
Has seen fields of clover near Down affected with clover dodder.
Thinks W. Kemp’s specimens are all common varieties of living species of Atriplex.
CD has written to W. Kemp to ascertain what precautions he took in sowing his seeds. "It will be rather flat if you … pronounce the Atriplex to be merely a variety". Suggests sending plants to C. C. Babington.
Regards [W. Kemp’s] plant as clearly only Atriplex patula, though with "an unusual habit".
Adds report on success of his Roman tomb exhibit.
Babington has reared a facsimile [of W. Kemp’s Atriplex] by sowing seeds of A. angustifolia. CD has advised Kemp not to publish since anyone would say it was more probable that the seeds of his specimens were in the soil, than that the ones he found had retained vitality. CD regrets this, as he has no doubt of the antiquity of the seeds.
Sends a specimen of rusty wheat from the banks of the Plata.
Asks for bits of peat he collected
and a bit of the paint used by Fuegians to colour themselves.
He will send these to C. G. Ehrenberg for analysis.
Is at work on second edition of Journal of researches.
Hopes to finish geology of the Beagle by autumn.
Hooker gives "a wonderful account" of Galapagos plants.
No summary available.
CD has bought a farm in Lincolnshire. Criticises primogeniture and stamp laws on land purchase.
Announces birth of G. H. Darwin.