From E. W. Black   20 November 1877

Mr. Charles Darwin,

Respected Sir: In your “Effect of Cross and Self-fertilisation,” p. 233, Chap vi. (D. Appleton & Co., New York, 1877.)¹ it is stated that the plant Zea Mays is monœcious. That it is generally strictly so is, no doubt, well known but that to this rule there are many exceptions, a slight inspection of one of our Maize fields here (where vast quantities of it are produced both for consumption and export) clearly shews, as they may be frequently found bearing both staminate & pistillate flowers on the same panicle or “tassel” and, I think, also perfect ones. In the harvesting season the small ears or “nubbins” resulting therefrom are, in a measure, common.² This, I am led to believe, is due to reversion. In replying please direct me how to experiment to determine this point. You will find enclosed a short article on an imperfect experiment made to ascertain the best kind of Potatos for “seed”; large or small tubers³

If convenient you will oblige me by republishing in some good paper devoted to such subjects in your country, as I am desirous, if this be a general result, that it should become universally known to cultivators, and if anomalous it may provoke more extensive and decisive experiments. If true, however, in a general sense; its importance to the Agriculturist can hardly be over-rated.

If published you will oblige me by returning copy of paper containing article.

Should you, in any of your researches; desire any information which I may be able to furnish, I will be happy at all times to do so.

Respectfully etc | E. Willson Black, | East Riverside, | Fayette Co., Pa. | U.S.A.