My dear Hooker,

You have rejoiced my soul, for Forsythia turns out to be beautifully dimorphic. Both the flowers of F. viridissima belong to the same form but no doubt the species is dimorphic. Asa Gray says that only a short-styled form is grown near Cambridge, and the dried flower marked ‘Kew Gardens’ is likewise short-styled   it would therefore be very useful to me to learn if possible whether your plants in the garden ever set seed.¹

You have not only rejoiced my soul, but my stomach, for the bananas are simply delicious. I never saw any like them. But you must not send anymore or you will make me too greedy²

Y^rs affectionately | Ch. Darwin