My dear Dyer

One word to thank you. I declare had it not been for your kindness, we sh^d. have broken down.— As it is we have made out clearly that with some plants (chiefly succulent) the bloom checks evaporation.— with some certainly prevents attacks of insects— with some sea-shore plants prevents injury from salt-water—& I believe with a few prevents injury from pure water resting on leaves— This latter is as yet the most doubtful & the most interesting point in relation to the movement of plants.—²

I daresay what you say about Scitamineæ & Sachs is right.—³ I already know that Thalia dealbata (which we owe to you) sleeps magnificently; & we are now tracing the movements during the 24 hours.—⁴

Hearty thanks | Ch. Darwin