My dear Sir

I really thought that I should give no more trouble. But I have strongest wish to observe structure of Dionæa, now that I know Drosera so well.² Is it a very precious plant? Could a living plant be packed so as to come here by Railway & could I keep it alive for week or two in sitting room? If so, would you be so kind as to give me address of any nurseryman where I could purchase a plant. Or if there are several plants at Kew, would you read this note to Sir William³ & ask him whether he could lend me a plant, which should be returned (carriage free) to Kew; but I should require to gather & dissect some leaves. I want to compare structure of hairs of Dionæa & Drosera, & especially to see whence the fluid is secreted in Dionæa, which is said to bathe the flies caught by it.

The fluid in Drosera is acid & has curious antiseptic powers on meat. Pray forgive me. I would just as soon purchase as borrow: I only mention Kew in case the plant is not to be easily purchased & in case of there being several plants at Kew. How I should like to see a fly caught by it!

Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin