Summary

Thanks CD for copy of the Origin [4th ed.]; makes some observations on beauty and ugliness in nature.

Summary

Discusses case of Cytisus graft described by JJW.

Summary

Feels a little better, but sickness continues.

Wants to borrow Robert Caspary’s paper on the union of buds in Cytisus [see 5012].

Summary

Requests copy of paper read at Amsterdam Horticultural Congress, on graft-hybrids like that of Cytisus adami [see 5018].

Summary

CD has repeated a test of whether hybrids of the common and Chinese goose are fertile inter se. Reports his success, and comments on its significance for the theory of descent.

Summary

Will be sure to send the Cytisus and Laburnum blooms when they flower.

Summary

On behaviour of birds when frightened and when threatening.

Purple Cytisus grafted onto yellow stock produces some yellow flowers.

Mutations in rabbits.

Cites case of variegated leaf form of one plant apparently spreading to a neighbour.

Summary

The Philadelphus CD sent is flourishing and appears to attract a particular kind of fly.

Science and the law as professions. Lawyers in politics.

Summary

Gives observations on orchid ovules ripening long after blooming.

Infertility with own pollen sometimes does and sometimes does not indicate dimorphism; gives observations on Ximenia, Eschscholtzia and Oncidium flexuosum.

Describes some striking seeds eaten by birds,

and some new dimorphic species.

Variation in Thillia.

Confirms CD’s suspicion that the lancet-fish [Amphioxus] lives in competition with invertebrates: it shares its habitat with a similar-looking Ophelia, which is quite unlike other annelids, just as the lancet-fish is unlike other fishes.

Summary

Surprised at CD’s account of Bryanthus.

H. Crüger’s approach to Gongora fertilisation is beset with difficulties.

Reports his work on self-sterility of Oncidium.

Summary

Thanks correspondent for a gift of books.

Summary

AD is sorry CD thinks publication of Descent a mistake. The excitement shows it was necessary for someone to speak plainly.

His great difficulties (Italian indolence, dishonesty, hatred) in establishing zoological station. Can at last start construction.

Summary

Asks about CL’s new book [Travels in North America (1845)].

Discusses views of A. D. d’Orbigny on elevation.

Mentions reading W. H. Prescott [History of the conquest of Mexico (1843)].

Summary

JT had not known Lady Lubbock was ill. Will try to persuade her [to change physicians]. Agrees Andrew Clark is best.

Hooker has survived his crisis [death of his wife].

St G. J. Mivart’s act is a natural outflow of his character.

Summary

Offers notes and reflections on Variation.

Not convinced by Pangenesis, particularly its dependence on the Cytisus [graft hybrid] examples [ch. 27 and ch. 11].

What a book could be written on the application of natural history to man! Gives examples of inheritance in man.