From W. E. Darwin 17 and 20 May [1863]1
1 Carlton Terrace
May 17
My Dear Father,
I am alarmed to hear that you saw nothing of same kind in Corydalis Lutea; as it makes me think that I must be making some fine blunder.2 Whether I am right or wrong I am sure you ought to look at it as there is something in it unless I begin dreaming whenever I look at Corydal. Claviculata I found today in the New Forrest a fine large bed of Buckbean so that if you want any or seeds I can get you some.3 It is an odd chance but after looking, just stooping down and not gathering, at 40 or 50 plants I could not find a single short pistilled one. I suppose it is impossible for them to be dimorphic in one place and not in another. Or perhaps it is necessary to gather the flower and look at Stamens to see whether it is long or short-pistilled plant
Wednesday
This ought to have gone on Sunday but I forgot it.
I will get you some seed of Corydalis Claviculata and when I come I shall bring my sketches of it.
I went to the Microscopical Society the other night, it was rather stupid, as no paper was read, only some specimens exhibited, but I am glad to belong as it is only 7/6 yearly subscription.4
have you seen a very amusing thing in “public opinion” a quarrel among old bonemen Huxley Owen &c in which they are taken up for foul language & calling each other hippocampus minor I will send it if you have not5
Your affect son | WED
Footnotes
Summary
Alarmed that CD did not see what WED saw in Corydalis lutea. Has found buckbean in the New Forest. Will get seeds of Corydalis claviculata.
Letter details
- Letter no.
- DCP-LETT-4168F
- From
- William Erasmus Darwin
- To
- Charles Robert Darwin
- Sent from
- 1 Carlton Terrace [Southampton]
- Source of text
- Cornford Family Papers (DAR 275: 16)
- Physical description
- ALS 4pp
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 4168F,” accessed on 16 August 2024, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-4168F.xml
Also published in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin, vol. 24 (Supplement)