My dear Dyer

I made a great number of observations on the curious movements of the flower-peduncles of Oxalis carnosa, after they have set their seeds, but I unfortunately & stupidly overlooked one very simple point of supreme importance to me. I returned both plants in good state: now will you lend me one again, if still in flower or coming into flower again—or if any flower-head has only just gone out of flower.—² Whoever packs the flowers for me will hate me.— Is it any one or two or three men: if so, I wish you would give them from me a sovereign— Do oblige me in this, if not against strict rules, & I can repay you.—

I hope to Heavens the precious orchid was not injured & does not hate my very name.³

Ever yours | C. Darwin

I am now observing the movemt. of a single flower of Trifolium repens from before expansion to setting & this has shown me my oversight in Oxalis carnosa.—⁴