Sends record of pigeon flight from London to Antwerp. [Lord W. Lennox, Merrie England (1857), p. 185.]
No summary available.
On papilionaceous flowers and CD’s theory that there are no eternal hermaphrodites. Connects this theory to absence of small-flowered legumes in New Zealand and the absence of small bees as pollinators.
JDH characterises himself to Asa Gray as a full throated critic. He often disagrees with his Father [William Jackson Hooker], who can be stuck in old ways of thinking, JDH stops him from publishing outdated views. They clashed over the JOURNAL [OF BOTANY] work, JDH is glad it is discontinued. JDH offers Gray species of Rubiaceae, he might bring them himself if he goes to the USA this year. Has consulted Huxley re. Gray's notes on vitality & offers his comments. Discusses his thoughts on dedoublement, at length, he has discussed the theory with [George] Bentham[GB] & does not consider it logical. Mentions Gray's work on Balanophoreae. Discusses in detail Dicotyledonous exogens & the hierarchy of flowering plants, enumerating the characteristics which should define the highest type. He thinks that the 'vegetable ladder' should be arranged by physiology of the reproductive organs with organic complexity secondary: this would elevate gymnosperms above Phaenogams. [Arthur] Henfrey has found the corpuscula[?] in Gnetum, he suspects the seeds take 7 years to ripen. JDH describes the development of Gnetum ovule during fertilisation. JDH is working on East India Company Assistant Surgeon competitive examination papers & Royal Society Report for [David] Livingstone's expedition. Comments that Gray has correctly described Sambucus fruit. Describes his observations on ovules in different plant genera & families: Viburnum, Caprifol[iaceae]. Conv[olvulaceae]. Aral[iaceae]. Umbelli[ferae]. Rubiaceae, with particular reference to raphe in Lonicerae. He suspects ovule structure will lead to affinities. He discusses his study of Chimonanthus, which he places nearer Monimiaceae & Annonads than Rosaceae, calycifloral characteristics being key. JDH thinks Cumming's Morinda is new. He is sending a fruit of Ceylon [Sri Lanka] Eupyrena. GB recommends his notes on Rubiaceae. Gray could send his notes on Timonius to the Linnean journal, JDH has not received the proof of Gray's Magnolia paper.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Went to the show and saw EWVH’s birds.
Thinks he will give up his pigeons at the end of the summer.
Sorry to hear he has been laid up, but his recovery has been quicker than his own. Unable to help him as his own lands have to be sold, but encloses a check for £20, which please acknowledge with a promissory note.
Asks to borrow W. C. Hewitson’s book [British oology, 2 vols. (1831–44)].
CD is searching for reliable information on slight variations in the degree of perfection of nests of the same species of birds.
CD has never doubted probability of Bering Strait land connection.
Family illness.
Has gone over to CD’s side on the fertilisation of clover in New Zealand by bees.
No summary available.
Is obliged for JH's observations on his statement of [Joseph?] Hume's doctrine. These errors are discreditable and will diminish the utility of the book.
Has received Burmese fowls’ skins from Walter Elliot.
No summary available.
Sorry that CB's nephew bothered JH with request for money from fund for CB's sister. Nephew must deal directly with Reversionary Interest Society. Recalls mutual vow of JH and CB forty years ago to pursue many intellectual endeavors.
Regrets he will be unable to attend the forthcoming wedding.
Requests an address of a Mr. Macintosh in order to inquire about a lecture topic.
No summary available.
No summary available.