My dear Romanes

Thanks for note just received.² I have dreadful news about the onions. I am nearly sure there is not a single union! Most have died: Many consist of two quite distinct perfect bulbs, in close contact, but each with its proper character.—³ Many have formed only a single bulb, & this seems to be all red or all white. They are not yet ready to be dug up, but I base hardly a ghost of a hope.— The two kinds look so different that I cannot avoid suspecting that they are distinct species; & this w^d explain failure. If you are not wholly sick of whole job; I sh^d. think that white, red & black Radishes w^d be good to try— or white & red carrots or beet.— I believe these kinds come true by seed.—

I am heartily sorry at the loss of so much of your valuable time.— Do not answer, this, unless you have something special to say.—

Yours sincerely, | Ch. Darwin