From George Sparkes   14 February 1872

Dear Sir,

I feel sure I need make no formal apology for addressing you on a scientific subject.

There is an old neglected, and now very rare plant, the (dingy) blue Polyanthus, of which I enclose the first flower. For years I tried in vain to induce it to seed, and was told by Major T. Clarke¹ that he had been equally unfortunate, but that its pollen was effective on other Primulas. I tried it on a beautiful Polyanthus, and raised a host of seedlings, which proved nothing but degenerate Polyanthus of the coarsest and worst description. A few had the faintest tinge of blue. One of these I again hybridized with the Primrose, but have yet to see the result.²

There seems to me nothing the matter with the ovary of the Primrose. I tried last year to fertilize it with Polyanthus pollen, but did not succeed. Perhaps I may have better luck this year—

The nonfertilization of the Cherimoya in England is very remarkable. I have made enquiries of the excurator at Kew, but neither there nor at Sion do they seem to know any thing about it—³ Friend Coles Child⁴ here has a plant. I recommended fresh air, dry atmosphere, & touching with a camel’s hair brush— But all in vain— I have suggested that he send you a flower when he next gets one. From Don’s description there is nothing in the flower differing from the flowers of other Annona.⁵ It is said to fruit in North Africa.

I remain | Dear Sir | Yours faithfully | Geo Sparkes.

C. Darwin Esq