My dear Sir

It is extremely kind of you to have sent me the fresh packet of good seeds, some of which I have just put on damp sand to germinate. I tried the former lot on damp sand and damp earth, (and the remainder are now in water!) and all became a sheet of mould, so that I was in despair of even one germinating. Your note shows me that the case is even more curious than I before understood.² I am, however, at present overwhelmed with the number of experiments in hand. But Ægilops must not be neglected.

Yours much obliged | Ch. Darwin