Summary

Gives some observations on the sensitivity of Drosera species and comments on cases of "dioecio-dimorphism".

Summary

Notes several cases of "dioecio-dimorphism" in different genera; feels the discovery of pollen that will act only on the pistil of another flower is most important. Believes CD should next turn his attention to investigating cases of "precocious fertilisation".

Summary

Discusses observations of his own and of John Torrey on dimorphism, especially in Amsinckia.

Is trying to find specimens of Houstonia for CD.

Summary

Discusses dimorphism and suggests CD investigate Valeriana.

Praises CD’s views with respect to the U. S. Civil War and relations with England. Worsening relations between Britain and U. S.

Summary

Discusses politics in the U. S. and relations between Britain and America.

Summary

Will observe Rhexia for CD to see whether it is dimorphic.

Summary

Has been reading J. D. Morell’s new book on psychology [An introduction to mental philosophy, on the inductive method (1862)].

Progress of the Civil War.

Summary

Has received first sheets of Orchids and is very impressed. "What a skill & genius you have for these researches."

Details of U. S. orchids.

Summary

Discusses heterostyly in Houstonia.

Summary

Has not had time to look at Rhexia.

Progress of Civil War.

Summary

Discusses dimorphic plants and the occurrence of "precocious fertilisation" in the bud.

Gives some comments on design in nature in the light of the translator’s commentary in the French edition of the Origin.

Reports the recent events of the Civil War.

[Note on verso of envelope:] Utricularia vulgaris is "about as neatly contrived for cross-fertilisation by insects as almost any orchid".

Summary

Observations on Platanthera.

Possibility of trimorphism in Mertensia.

Summary

Encloses stamps for Leonard Darwin.

Summary

Is observing Gymnadenia tridentata.

Has received six copies of Orchids.

Summary

Gives J. T. Rothrock’s observations on the structure and fertility of the two forms of Houstonia. Mentions his own observations on Rhexia virginica and Gymnadenia tridentata.

Summary

Notes and observations on orchids.

Summary

Suggests CD try to get Lythrum hyssopifolia from France.

Dimorphic flowers.

Differences between newly opened and older orchids.

Flowers of Spiranthes and Goodyera.

Summary

Last chapter of Orchids opens up a "knotty sort of question about accident or design".

Changes in orchid flowers as they age.

Thinks CD may find trimorphism in Nesaea verticillata.

Summary

Thinks Max Müller’s Lectures on the science of language [1861–4] will do a real service to CD and natural selection.

Summary

Sends Nesaea seeds for CD

and stamps for Leonard Darwin.