Dear Sir

I thank you for your very kind letter & for all the trouble which you have taken in sending me the supposed hybrid Tomato.—¹ I am quite perplexed by the case. If it is really a hybrid it must have been produced by the direct action of the pollen of a distinct species on the mother plant. This seems very improbable considering that they are distinct species. That in the case of varieties pollen may act on the mother plant so as to affect her fruit I believe is demonstrated, though some Botanists will not believe in such cases.—²

Again it may possibly be a bud-variation of the Egg Plant;³ though this is improbable it is perhaps less improbable than that it sh^d. be a hybrid of the nature indicated. So I do not know what to think, I am so much engaged that I doubt whether I can find time to sow seeds & observe plants, but if I come across anyone who can be trusted to observe I will give him the seeds.—⁴

I have many letters to write & remain | Dear Sir | Yours faithfully | Ch. Darwin