From Adam Fitch   20 July 1877

Dear Sir,

The recollection of the very kind way in which you have replied to my gardening queries from time to time, induces me to trouble you on the present occasion.¹

A few years since Mess^rs. Veitch introduced an autumnal Cauliflower, which I then considered a most valuable vegetable, fit to cut latter end of August and continuing to latter end of Nov^r.² Its character quite different from Asiatic Cauliflower, which if it buttons early runs at once to seed— On the other hand Veitch’s Cauliflower as soon as it buttons, instead of running to seed, goes on increasing its head—³ I have cut specimens more than a foot in diameter.

When I commenced growing it some four years ago, the only objection was its tendency to go blind, this tendency I find increases year by year, and this season from 200 plants, sown at different times—some under glass—some in open air—I have only 20 plants left— this blindness occurs in different stages of growth, from plants in seed pan or bed, to plants 1 inch diameter in the stem.⁴ I should feel so much obliged if you could tell me the cause of this blindness and suggest a remedy.

As I am troubling you with a letter, I enclose two leaves from a seedling mulberry, about seven years old—taken out of a geranium pot, near to a mulberry tree at Waterbeach—⁵ of course this leafy development as regards seedling mulberries may be common, but as I never saw a seedling mulberry before, I venture to call your attention to the fact.

I have the honor to be | Dear Sir | Faithfully yours | A. Fitch.

Charles Darwin Esqre.