To George Maw   17 March [1861]

Dear Sir

I am much obliged for your striking note. Your remarks on the races of man are interesting; but I have been particularly struck with your observations on the classification of mineral bodies. The idea had crossed my mind in a very vague & feeble manner: it is so difficult to be honest that I fear that I must have unconsciously banished the idea as disagreeable. I see now the full force of the difficulty & I will make a note not to forget this subject. I must own that classification may be closely like that due to descent & yet have no relation to it. I am grateful for your excellent criticism.—¹

I am very sorry to say that at present I do not feel inclined to subscribe to the testimonial to M^r Newman. I have not a shade of feeling against M^r Newman; on the contrary I have much respect for his labours. But to t⁠⟨⁠he⁠⟩⁠ best of my judgment, it seems hardly a case for a testimonial. If one is given to him; I think there are others with at least equal claims— This is my only objection. I will, however, talk with some other naturalists, & I hope my objection may be got over.—²

Dear Sir | Yours sincerely obliged | Charles Darwin

P.S. | As you have been so great an observer, I ask two questions for remote chance of your having facts.— Have you sown seed of weeping trees & what were seedlings?

Have you observed any remarkable cases (excluding mere variegations of leaves) of branch or bud sports, (or as I shall call such cases “bud-variations”) in leaves, flowers, or fruits.— e.g. nectarines on peach-trees—provence Roses on Moss-roses.—³ Do not, pray, answer unless you have any facts.—⁴