Summary

Asks CD’s opinion of a paper he has written on papilionaceous flowers.

Summary

Thinks CD’s views of insect agency and crossing might explain structure and variations of papilionaceous flowers. Lists five points. Asks CD’s opinion.

Summary

Speculates on the function of the separate stamen of papilionaceous flowers.

Summary

Has made observations on pollination mechanism in Medicago sativa [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 9 (1867): 327–9], which his brother-in-law [J. D. Hooker] would accept. Wants to check that CD has not already made them.

Also sends interpretation of Salvia.

His observations come from following CD’s generalisation in Origin [p. 79] on necessity of out-crossing.

Summary

Will work on papilionaceous flowers since CD encourages it. Discusses function of hairs in certain plants.

Summary

Thanks for sheets of new book. Intends to talk about it at a scientific social club meeting.

Is amused to read CD’s criticisms of his own style, as in the U. S. it is spoken of as being as faultless as his temper. Corrects a reference.

Summary

Observations on Coronilla.

Summary

Refers to CD’s article "Fertilisation of papilionaceous flowers" in Gardeners’ Chronicle [Collected papers 2: 19–25] and asks how forced beans flower in winter when no insect is on the wing.

Summary

Sends copy of his article ["Die Nectarien der Blüthen", Flora 62 (1879): 2–11, 17–27, 49–54, 81–90, 113–23, 145–53, 233–40, 241–7, 305–14, 369–75, 433–8, 449–57].

GWJB’s experiments inspired by reading CD’s botanical works.

Summary

Further observations concerning the fertilisation of Coronilla by bees.

Reflections concerning the influence of cultivation (i.e., ploughing) upon variation.

Summary

Regrets that "our brush theory" is wrong.

Summary

Pleased CD confirms his observations on Salvia.

Spring action of Medicago stamens described.

Summary

Has observed in his garden hive-bees using the holes bored at the base of flowers by humble-bees.

Summary

Suggests possible experiments with Pisum and Lathyrus.

Has read the article CD spoke of; the doctrine of inherited mental and corporeal qualities is most fertile.

Summary

Is struck by the amazing variations of the hardy Primula varieties.

Summary

Cannot explain impurity of his alleged pure lines.

Summary

Gives his opinion on why tubes of peas split to the right of the loose stamens [inLathyrus sylvestris].

Summary

Has found Lathyrus maritima on the cliffs near Barmouth.

Summary

Reviewing C. V. Naudin’s article ["Nouvelles recherches sur l’hybridité dans les végétaux", Ann. Sci. Nat. (Bot.) 4th ser. 19 (1863): 180–203] for Popular Science Review [5 (1866): 304–13]. Requests references.

Proposes to visit Down on Easter weekend.

Summary

Has been writing a review of CD’s "Climbing plants" for Popular Science Review [5 (1866): 55–65].