From J. T. Moggridge   15 July [1864]¹

Dear Sir

I consider myself very fortunate in being able to send seed of a Trichonema growing at Mentone, but it was indiscriminately gathered—²

I enclose 1 bulb with dried leaves & flower attached of this rare plant, with seed— It was named by Parlatore,³ Romulea Rollii. The other packet contains some of its seed also, but there may be mixed with it seed of Trichonema bulbicodium, as this was collected at a different time, by a a different hand.

I shall be only too delighted to have the occupation of getting the bulbs & seeds you require, when I (D.V.) return to Mentone. but do not feel quite sure what I am to understand by the expression “different individual groups— Is it that you want them taken from varied situations & exposures?— or do you refer to groups into which the genus may have been divided?

There is but one habitat known at Mentone for Romulea Rollii, where on a small damp flat near the beach it tangles in with coarse grass, growing in great profusion—

The other representative Romulea or Trichonema bulbicodium is found near the shore in 3 or 4 localities, often near streams.—

I moreover take the liberty of enclosing specimens shewing the two forms in Primula marginata, on which I have lately been at work.⁴ Primula latifolia is also dimorphic, but less markedly so.— It is a curious fact that at Mentone the Primrose grows on the shore & less frequently high up, but Oxlips & Cowslips are only to be found at elevations of from 2800 to 3600 feet; thus becoming, or being, of distinct geographical range.

Pray excuse my lengthened letter: & hoping that you will not think of troubling to write thanks which I take for granted

believe me | y^rs. very sincerely | J. Traherne. Moggridge.