My dear Farrer

I suppose I must have known that the stamens reversed their former position in Berberis, for I formerly tried experiments with anæsthetics, but I had forgotten the fact, & I quite agree with you that it is a sound argument that the movement is not for self-fertilisation.² The N. American barberries (mahonia) offer a good proof to what an extent natural crossing goes on in this genus; for it now almost impossible in the country to procure a true specimen of the 2 or 3 forms originally introduced—³

I hope the seeds of Passiflora will germinate, for the turning up of the pendent flower must be full of meaning.⁴ I am so glad that you are able to occupy yourself a little with flowers: I am sure it is most wise in you for your own sake & children’s sake.—⁵

Some little time ago Delpino wrote to me praising the Swedish book on the fertilisation of plants; as my son George can read a little Swedish, I sh^d like to have it back for a time just to hear a little what it is about, if you w^d. be so kind as to return it by book Post.—⁶

I am going steadily on with my experiments on the comparative growth of crossed & self fertilised plants, & am now coming to some curious anomalies & some interesting results.⁷ I forget whether I showed you any of them when you were here for a few hours.—⁸ You ought to see them; as they explain at a glance why nature has taken such extraordinary pains to ensure frequent crosses between distinct individuals.

If in the course of the summer, you sh^d. feel any inclination to come here for a day or two, I hope that you will propose to do so, for we sh^d. be delighted to see you; though, as you know, I can talk with no one except for a very short time.—

Pray believe me | yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin

P.S | I remember years ago being surprised at observing that the pollen in the genus Hedaroma (or Darwinia)⁹ is almost liquid viscid, & this seemed to me deserving examination. The plant is also rather ornamental & curious.