From George Maw   18 April 1869

My dear Sir

I am glad to say that I found on Friday last nr Andalusia about 6 miles N of this place the Drosophyllum in great abundance—quite half an acre covered with it.¹ I have sent off to day by “Bengalore”² P & O Steam Ship two cases of plants to Kew (Due at Southampton Friday the 23^rd. inst) & enclosed to your address a box of the Drosophyllum which I hope will reach you safely   I have packed them carefully & as I was fortunate in getting the plant just before the Southampton steamer sails I really hope they will arrive in good order.³ I fear from what D^r. Hooker tells me you will not be able to cultivate it as they have several times lost it at Kew.⁴ It would be worth while trying it under various methods of treatment—stove—greenhouse, cold frame. & some might be put under a bell-glass.

It is a most beautiful & curious plant & the flowers much more conspicuous than I had imagined

I have just returned from a very pleasant visit to Barbary⁵ & procured a good many plants which I have sent home by the “Bengalore”.

Believe me my d^r Sir | Very truly y^rs | Geo Maw

I have not been able yet to get any information as to the age at which Merino ram lambs get their horns.⁶

C Darwin Esq^re