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Darwin Correspondence Project

To Daniel Oliver   [after 14 April 1863]1

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Dear Oliver

Many thanks about the Primula: I see that I was pretty right about the ovules.2 I have been thinking that the apparent opening at the chalaza end must have been withering or perhaps gnawing by some very minute insects, as the ovarium is open at the upper end. If I have time I will have another look at pollen-tubes, as from what you say they ought to find their way to the microphyle. But ovules to me are far more troublesome to dissect than animal tissue; they are so soft, and muddy the water.

With many thanks | Yours very sincerely, | C. Darwin

Footnotes

The date is established by the relationship between this letter and the letter from Daniel Oliver, 14 April 1863.

Summary

Thanks for information on Primula ovules. From what DO says the pollen-tubes ought to find their way to the micropyle.

Letter details

Letter no.
DCP-LETT-4095
From
Charles Robert Darwin
To
Daniel Oliver
Sent from
Down
Source of text
DAR 147: 214
Physical description
C 1p

Please cite as

Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 4095,” accessed on 29 March 2024, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-4095.xml

Also published in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin, vol. 11

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