Summary

Questions on breeding of plants: variation in established versus new varieties; predominance of wild species and old varieties when crossed with newer forms; predominance of males versus females; correlations between ease of hybridisation and tendency to vary and undergo cultivation; reversion; correlations between hybridisation and geographic distribution.

In WH’s Amaryllidaceae [1837], does he intend to say crossing is inimical to fertility?

[Sent via J. S. Henslow; note to amanuensis Syms Covington.]

Summary

Replies to CD’s questions on plant hybridisation and laws of inheritance. Rejects predominant transmission of characters by established forms. Males show predominance, but congeniality of parents’ constitution to climate and soil more important. No correlation between hybridisation and variability, cultivation, and geographical distribution. Rejects reversion.

Describes experiments in Hippeastrum in which pollen from another species proved more fertile than plant’s own pollen.

Did not intend to say that crossing is inimical to fertility.

Summary

Sends a book [his translation of Goethe’s Hermann u. Dorothea] as a wedding gift.

Summary

[Note forwarding 503.]

Lord Fitzwilliam’s gardener does not believe in hybrid ferns.

Summary

Thanks WW for wedding gift.

Expresses admiration for his History of the inductive sciences [1837].

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Acknowledges, on behalf of the Geological Society, receipt of the Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France, vol. 9, feuilles 29, 34.

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Sends fee for admission to the Geological Society and a signed obligation.

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Asks for some Anthus skins to examine [for Birds]. Fears they may turn out to be all one species. Sends details from his notes on Falkland Island specimens.

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Answers to [Questions about breeding].

Summary

Replies to [Questions about breeding].

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As Secretary of the Geological Society of London, CD formally expresses thanks for the American Philosophical Society’s Proceedings, vol. 1, no. 6.

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Writes, as Secretary of the Geological Society, to thank GAM for his presents, a slab of anthracite with plant impressions (from Philadelphia) and some fossils from Cornwall.

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Thanks for copies of the Proceedings of the Geological Society of London, with a request for items (listed) missing from their set.

Offer to supply, if they can, any copies missing from the Geological Society’s run of the American Journal of Science.

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Invitation to dine at the Darwins’ with J. S. Henslow.

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Presents the account of Smith, Elder & Co. for the now published second and third numbers of the first part of the Zoology.

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Introduces Syms Covington and recommends him for employment in Australia.

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A letter of reference for Syms Covington.

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CD’s servant [Syms Covington] will work his passage to Australia.

Returns a curious stone, of which he hopes to publish an account. [See Volcanic islands, p. 38.]

Summary

Has not yet had time to read CD’s Journal of researches attentively. He is sure there is no expression referring to himself personally that he could wish were not in it.

Summary

CD has heard from the Treasury; they will pay the account [for the Zoology] as soon as Smith, Elder & Co. like.