My dear Sir/

I am much obliged to you for so kindly forwarding me the abnormal pear w^h. is interesting as showing the true morphological nature of the fruit of the Pear—¹ The condition is relatively not very uncommon and is sometimes much more marked than that you sent. As I am still collecting morphological memoranda normal or abnormal I am glad to have any opportunity of seeing anything that may at all bear on the subject of my researches. If it be uninstructive the fault is in my obtuseness if it be commonplace it at least gives one a juster idea of the relative frequency of occurrence.

—Referring to the paper you mention of M^r Bert’s I regret very much that I cannot help you.—² My attention, if I recollect rightly, was drawn to it by the Editor of Pop. Science Review³—and I read the memoir in the Library of the College of Surgeons

I think the Trans^cs. in question are in the Linnean Soc. Library— if not I shall be pleased to make an abstract in Coll of Surgeons for you if you do not tie me down to time

faithfully y^rs. | Maxwell. T. Masters.

What do you think of D^r. Denny’s notion as to the superior transmitting power of the ♂ among plants—⁴ Wiegmann & others say the reverse—⁵ I presume it all depends on circumstances