My dear Sir

I am sorry to say that we differ greatly, but it would take much too much space to discuss all our differences.²

My book will be published early in next month, & I will do myself the pleasure to send you a copy, & you can then read it (if your patience lasts out) & see what I think & my evidence.—³

I have not attended at all to the order of development of the whorls, & it will be interesting if you can prove a relation between the order & a protandrous & protogynous condition. But I feel rather doubtful, as this condition is sometimes variable & is affected by temperature (I have given evidence, & might have added Gärtner),⁴ & differs in the individuals of the same monœcious & a few hermaphrodite species (cases given in my book);⁵ & I can hardly suppose that the order of development of the whorls differs in the individuals of the same species, & is affected by temperature &c.

It is quite new to me that dwarfed flowers which are not commonly self-fertile become self-fertile from this cause: I presume that you know, (judging by the close of your sentence) that the penetration of the stigma by the pollen-tubes, is not an absolute proof that seeds will be produced: Eschscholtzia & homomorphic unions of Lythrum salicaria offer instances of this.—⁶

Pray excuse my not writing at greater length: the subject is really too large for a letter. I sincerely hope that your health is considerably improved & remain, My Dear Sir, Yours faithfully | Ch. Darwin