To J. D. Hooker   14 July [1857]¹

My dear Hooker

The enclosed specimens do not concern me, but perhaps you would like to see them: they are seedling Lathyrus nissolia. In the 3 or 4 I have looked at lower scale-leaf is a); the second alternate (B); & the third with lateral stipules (C)

As these seedlings are about 12 days old, the cotyledons seem never to come out, which if true, tells me, what I did not know how subordinately their function is that of a leaf.²

Many thanks for your last note & answer to my query.³

(N.B I once saw a laburnum tree with terminal flower in each raceme regular or peloric)⁴

I quite agree with what you say on my nut case:⁵ the utmost I try to show is that the means of distribution are very imperfectly known, & therefore that anyone must be cautious in arguing for double Creations of insular plants (& in extending continents!).—

I write now to supplicate most earnestly a favour, viz the loan of Boreau Flore du Centre de la France either 1^st or 2^d. Edit, last best.—⁶ Also “Flora Ratisbonensis by D^r. Furnrohr in Naturhist. Topographie von Regenberg 1839.”.⁷ If you can possibly spare them will you send them at once by enclosed address.— If you have not them, will you send one line by Return of Post. As I must try whether Kippist can anyhow find them, which I fear will be nearly impossible in Linnean Library, in which I know they are.—⁸

I have been making some calculations about varieties &c. & talking yesterday with Lubbock, he has pointed out to me the grossest blunder which I have made in principle, & which entails 2 or 3 weeks lost work; & I am at a dead lock till I have these Books to go over again, & see what the result of calculation on right principle is.—⁹ I am the most miserable, bemuddled, stupid Dog in all England, & am ready to cry at vexation at my blindness & presumption.

Ever yours | Most Miserably | C. Darwin