Dear Sir,

An idea struck me the other day which although in all probability disposed of long ago as I have not seen the matter mentioned, I have thought it worth while to drop you a line on the subject— If it is of no value consign it to the flames— if there is anything in it, or likely to come of it, you will doubtless reply to me to that effect— Please do not publish this letter. If the idea is of any value it is at your service, please do not mention my name without my consent is given. The idea is this: that the rapid changes during growth in some plants and the metamorphoses in insects &c may be found to bear analogies with the presumed slower changes resulting in the formation of new varieties & species. When the startling & sudden transitions from one form to another in the insect world is considered & the remarkable changes undergone by many plants during various stages of their growth is taken into account the slower changes that are presumed to have resulted in new species does not seem to be so far-fetched as your opponents endeavour to represent, indeed the slower changes would seem to me to be less marvellous than the rapid ones— I have never seen this argument brought forward. I cannot but think that the changes & metamorphoses now going on in many forms of animal & vegitable life should bear analogies to the slower changes, in the rapid changes we should find an index to the slower, and if powerful analogies can be discovered between the two the Developement theory would I think receive considerable confirmation   There is a tree in N.Z. called the Umbrellar tree (I do not know the Botanical name)¹ As you are doubtless aware this plant undergoes most remarkable changes and my constantly noticing this plant first suggested to my mind that careful observation of these rapid changes would be found to be a condensed history of the formation of new species and that similar results would be obtained in the animal world   I indicate in margin appearance of the Umbrellar tree at one stage of its growth, it afterwards changes into a small shrubby tree with a common shaped foliage²   I have neither time or knowledge of natural history sufficient to prosecute research myself but throw out the idea for what it may be worth. | Yours very truly | A. D. Austin, | C.E. F.R.A.S.