Sir

I have today received a letter from Prof^r. Huxley in which he mentions that my letter to him with a photograph was forwarded to you and he at the same time sent me your reply¹

By this post I have sent to your address the ear of wheat in question & have registered the letter

The ear was lent to me by an intimate friend (the finder) who knew that I sought such objects and I feel certain that no tricks have been played with it except that a stupid farmer to whom he shewed it picked out a perfect oat kernel from the lower floret   indeed I do not think that if he tried he could accomplish it—

The specimen has now been given to me and having sent it to you I shall be glad to leave it entirely in your hands to send it to D^r Hooker, or to whomsoever you please to have the matter thoroughly investigated²

Having read some Botany for amusement it occurred to me that this specimen if a true one might have some bearing on the variation of species and I was therefore unwilling that it should be passed over

I feel that in making any remark whatever on your letter that an unscientific person like myself is taking a liberty but if you will allow me to make one I will do so with the greatest respect

If the ear is soaked in water to dissolve any substance used to fix in a spurious stalk (if any) might not this soaking swell the natural and genuine stalk and so separate it from the main stem from which it really has grown?³

If you will accept the specimen I shall be glad (if genuine) but I will ask you to be kind enough to inform me of the result of D^r Hookers investigation

Should it turn out that I have found a mare’s nest I should be very sorry that you should have had any trouble in the matter

I am Sir | Y obed^t Serv^t | Chas W Nunn

C Darwin Esq