My dear M^r Farrer

I had seen your paper in the Annals & was proud of my share in getting you to publish it, but I am obliged for the copy which you have sent me.² I know pretty well the structure of the common Violet, but have never seen V. cornuta, so do not understand what part is degraded in the common species.—³ You might work this up into another paper, & let it be accompanied by a wood cut.

My vanity was much pleased at the very elegant German compliment which you paid me in your introductory remarks.⁴ By the way, as we are in the same boat, I may mention that Prof. Asa Gray (a first-rate Botanist) who used formerly often to throw difficulties about crossing in my way, now spontaneously declares, he hardly ever looks at a flower without feeling convinced that its whole structure is adapted for a cross with another individual.⁵

Pangenesis has very few friends, so let me beg you not to give it up lightly.⁶ It may be foolish parental affection, but it has thrown a flood of light on my mind in regard a great series of complex phenomena.—

Pray believe me | Dear Farrer | Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin

I am delighted that you have joined Linn. Soc^y.—⁷