in some simple cells—Desmidieæ, Diatomaceæ &c?²

How could mere natural selection produce such exquisite beauty & symmetry as we see in every organized structure?

It is not easy to understand how, with a similar capability of modification in all, some cells should remain in their originally simple condition whilst others should, within the same period, have become modified by mere natural selection into the most highly organized & complicated structures.

Something might be said, it seems to me, in favour of a general degradation or degeneration taking place under certain conditions, just as a single organ, complicated in structure in some species, is found rudimentary only in allied ones.

You would be extremely interested to see how the Lantana aculeata, an introduction from the Mauritius about 35–40 years ago, is spreading all over the uncultivated parts of the country which are not under forest—   Some of the indigenous plants would indeed have a hard struggle for existence if it were not for the interposition of man’s labour. M. Humbert,³ a very intelligent Swiss naturalist who is out here collecting for the Geneva Museum of which he is the Curator, has been surprised to find how very many of our native birds feed upon the fruit of this Lantana, their crops being often quite filled with it.

I very much regret to hear that your health has not been very good. I wish I could persuade you that a visit to Ceylon would benefit it & that I could enjoy the pleasure of your society for a few months as my guest here.

Believe me always, | Your’s very sincerely | G. H. K. Thwaites