Summary

Hooker approves of Torbitt’s plan [concerning potato experiments]. Torbitt, wine and spirit merchant in Belfast, highly respectable.

Summary

Wishes to call on THF to discuss the situation with regard to Horace Darwin [who wishes to marry THF’s daughter, Emma Cecilia (Ida)].

Summary

THF’s copybook has cleared up all points. The castings are invaluable. Encloses further queries [missing].

Summary

Is worried about brick particles in worm-castings. Asks THF for castings from a site where possible error would be avoided.

Summary

Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.

Summary

Informs THF that Annals and Magazine of Natural History will publish his paper [see 6384].

Summary

Advises THF that best plan is to investigate the part certain structures play with all plants or orders, instead of describing means of fertilisation in particular plants. Naturalists value observations far more than reasoning.

Summary

Dislikes the use of the term "degradation" as applied to the closed flowers of Viola species. Species with such self-fertilising flowers also have flowers adapted for crossing. The development of closed flowers adapted to ensure a sufficient stock of seed is progressive.

Summary

Was aware of Maine’s view but never thought of its extension to morals. Cannot avoid thinking that personal property like flint tools must have "strictly belonged to individuals as much as a bone to a dog".

Summary

Confesses to intense hatred of the bee [orchid] for its anomalous perpetual self-fertilisation.

Summary

Has read THF’s article on Coronilla [see 9400] – "a very curious case"; is troubled by C. emerus.

Summary

THF would do a good deal if he gets Agricultural Society to rear cross-fertilised seeds. Society excellent channel for distribution of fungus-proof variety [of potato]. If James Torbitt will carry on work another year, CD will offer him £100.

Summary

Thanks THF for notes on Abinger excavation. Asks for more castings.

Summary

Statement of money transactions with James Torbitt and record of year’s success enclosed. Torbitt desires him to return £90. He is doubtful of being able to continue this spring.

Summary

Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger.

Summary

Thanks THF for correcting the error in Orchids.

Asks him to find out what insects visit the fly orchid and for what purpose.

Summary

Encloses part of letter from Fritz Müller on Passiflora, with seeds.

Is endeavouring to have included in next census a question as to whether the parents in each household are cousins.

Summary

Asks THF to examine old flowers of Coronilla for holes bored by bees.

Is investigating whether drops of water injure leaves.

Summary

James Caird does not think Torbitt’s success justifies application to Government. Torbitt has four acres planted with seedlings. Has sent back CD’s £100. Shall CD insist that he keep it?

Summary

Discusses financial and other arrangements for marriage of Horace Darwin and Ida Farrer. Mentions anticipated inheritance of children.