Dear Sir,

I have taken the liberty of sending for your inspection some drawings, I have lately made of the Pollen of the Geranium and Honeysuckle—¹

I noticed that all the pollen bore a marked likeness to oneanother, but that with both specimens, there were one or two exceptions of so remarkable a character, that they might be taken for the Pollen of another plant—

The number of pollen grains in each specimen, were about 30 to 40. The exceptions shown were the only ones of that type.—

Is it possible that the varieties in the character of seedlings, owe their origen to the particular seeds being impregnated with these exceptional pollen.—

It appears probable that as the pollen is the sexual part of the part,² and any marked peculiarity would be transmitted to the seed impregnated—

For my drawing, I used one of Smith & Becks instrmts and $\frac{1}{5}$ Object glass.³ They are however enlarged about $\frac{1}{3}$.

I remain dear Sir | Your ob^t St | John Michels

C. Darwin Esq | F.RS.

P.S.— I can show the pollen at any time. JM.