Sir,

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 12^th.—¹

In reference to the fact of the pure Black Bean having produced almost or quite as extraordinary a mixture of Plants, both in flower & seed and tallness as the crossed Beans—I am unable to throw any light—

The original four rows of Negro Beans were uniform in flower foliage and height.— ²

I have for several years grown the Negro, and found them come true, the only exception being if they are not sufficiently ripened before being taken up for drying. I have known the seed to change to a kind of slate colour, these Beans upon being planted have always returned to the original black.— I therefore do not consider them to be varying.—

I have carried out the proposal made in my last communication by sorting twelve distinct colours of the crossed seed and planting each kind as far apart as possible. (over an extent of five acres of ground)

The Beans are not yet sufficiently ripened to enable me to form a conclusive opinion of the whole of them.—

Would you like to have a sample of each of the twelve sorts with their originals, if so, will you kindly send me word. I shall then feel it a pleasure in forwarding them upon their being properly ripened.—

I have now enclosed a few of the original and produce of the patch N^o. 8.— They are a most extraordinary sample—I am quite at a loss to account for the different colours, can you afford me any information for my guidance?—³

I have no objection to the results being communicated to the Gardeners Chronicle, but with all deference would not an article from your able pen be more likely to answer the purpose?⁴

With the greatest respect, | I am Sir, | Your humble Servant | Henry Coe C. Darwin. Esq^r.