To P. H. Gosse 2 June [1863]
Summary
Can only conjecture that the problem occurs because the plant is not living in its natural conditions. Refers to what he said on Acropera [in Orchids]. Many plants under culture have sexual functions altered.
Asks PHG to look at bee Ophrys at Torquay to see if pollinia are ever removed. "It is my greatest puzzle."
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Philip Henry Gosse |
| Date: | 2 June [1863] |
| Classmark: | Leeds University Library Special Collections (Brotherton Collection: Gosse Correspondence) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-4200 |
To P. H. Gosse 5 June [1863]
Summary
PHG’s hypothesis [regarding the self-fertilising mechanism of Stanhopea] may prove quite true, but CD suggests that PHG should observe another spike to make sure. CD will observe his Stanhopea if it flowers.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Philip Henry Gosse |
| Date: | 5 June [1863] |
| Classmark: | Lieutenant-Colonel James Innes (private collection); sold at Christie‘s New York (dealers), 15 November 2011, lot 55 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-4205 |
From Philip Henry Gosse 30 May 1863
Summary
Asks CD’s help with problem that arose when he tried to impregnate an orchid following CD’s text in Orchids.
| Author: | Philip Henry Gosse |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 30 May 1863 |
| Classmark: | DAR 165: 76 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-4194 |
From P. H. Gosse 4 June 1863
Summary
Thanks CD for his full reply. Sends additional facts derived from further observation, and a possible solution.
| Author: | Philip Henry Gosse |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 4 June 1863 |
| Classmark: | DAR 165: 77 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-4203 |
From P. H. Gosse 13 July 1863
Summary
On CD’s request to observe bee Ophrys: PHG’s son collected 16 plants – of the 32 flowers, two had lost both pollinia, two had lost one each. He himself found two plants with pollinia adhering to the stigma.
| Author: | Philip Henry Gosse |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 13 July 1863 |
| Classmark: | DAR 165: 78 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-4240 |
| letter | (5) |
| Gosse, P. H. | (3) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (2) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (3) |
| Gosse, P. H. | (2) |
