From George Cross   4 October 1876

Sir,

Last night at the Conversazione of the Chester Society of Natural Science I exhibited specimens of Drosera rotundifolia, which attracted a great deal of attention.¹ The plants were gathered at Delamere during the last week in June & placed in a fern case.² Being excluded from their natural food, they have assumed the form & appearance of an ordinary green plant. The axis has grown out to the length of 3 or 4 inches bearing several leaves perfectly green, without “tentacles”, but having hairs.³ Several of the leaves have also sent out buds the leaves of which have the ordinary involute & circinate vernation.

It was my intention to forward two of the specimens—with this note, but one of my friends, M^r. Siddall,⁴ in whose case the plants had been growing, said, ‘a fact like this can hardly have escaped the notice of Darwin, write to him first.’ Acting on this advice I do so, and if you desire to have them, I will forward two plants immediately on receiving your reply.

I am, | Yours faithfully, | Geo. Cross.

Charles Darwin Esq.