My dear Darwin

You gave me two Pounds last year   The sum was made up by M^rs. FitzRoy you & I giving 2£ each. Stokes Mellersh Usborne & Hamond 1£ each.¹

Can you solve a Botanical riddle for me: five years since I got three new vines for greenhouse; a “white Muscat” was planted between a “Black Hambro” and an “Alicante”—(Black) The last year or two I allowed a few bunches to remain on each. and the Muscats were the usual colour. This year there were many fine bunches on all three, but after the Muscat grapes were nearly their full size they becan to turn purple at the point of each grape, and it gradually extended to the stem. and they have ripened a darker colour than the Black ones. I enclose the skin of one.

The vines are about 6 feet apart; the grapes retain the exact character and flavour of the Muscat in all but colour.

Gardeners and gentlemen here who know most about vines tell me they have never heard of such a case. and are satisfied that the grapes retain the true Muscat Flavour &c.²

with kind regards | Believe me | very sincerely yours | B. J. Sulivan