Summary

Discusses means of seed transport.

Considers the difficulty of deciding which, if any, botanical species are real.

Summary

Responds to CD’s query on Subularia and Limosella. There are discrepancies among authorities on whether Subularia flowers out of water. Limosella certainly flowers out of water.

Summary

Notes on the comparative rarity of intermediate forms between species, and the varying relationships those forms may have to one or both species between which they are intermediate.

Summary

HCW is trying to define what CD means by "variable" genera.

Summary

Describes problems of classifying species in highly variable genera. Lists highly variable genera. Comments on the list of Asa Gray. Says species may be made to appear more or less variable according to whether a genus is divided into few or many species.

Summary

Sends a reference to Subularia which bears on a query CD made some time ago [see 2002]. Subularia was seen to flower in the air in a remarkably dry season.

Summary

Will shortly return CD’s list of varieties of British plants. Discusses the situations in which different varieties of species are often found and the ranges of varieties relative to those of the species.

Summary

Finds he cannot annotate CD’s list of subspecies and varieties as wanted. Mentions again his difficulties with "species"; he "cannot find the proof of species being definite and immutable whatever they may seem to be at any one time and spot".

Summary

Discusses the ranges and distribution of varieties relative to the type species.

Summary

Believes that botanists tend to mark more varieties in large than in small genera, but notes that where many varieties of a species exist these varieties may well be passed over, whereas similar varieties of another species which are fewer in number may well be recorded.

Summary

Discusses the ranges of species in large and small genera; difficulties involved in limiting the discussion to Britain.

Summary

Believes natural selection will become recognised as an established truth in science, though it will shock the ideas of many men.

Summary

Sends a correction for Origin reprint.

Summary

Notes by HCW on the Origin dealing especially with divergence and convergence. Believes there is some natural tendency to converge into groups in opposition to divergence generated by natural selection.

Summary

Discusses the possibility of "convergence" occurring; believes it could be only very limited.

Summary

Returns reviews of Origin.

F. J. Pictet [Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. n.s. 7 (1860): 231–55] goes further than he himself realises.

Naturalists will resist CD’s views until faith in certain "impassable" barriers between existent species is shaken.

Gives CD an instance of convergence.

Summary

HCW thanks GG for supplying CD with specimens of Goodyera.

Summary

HCW thanks GG for responding so promptly to CD’s application for assistance.

Wonders whether natural selection can operate to the extent CD contends.

Summary

Comments on the travels of JDH.

Genera plantarum a most worthy undertaking.

Criticisms of the Darwin–Hooker understanding of HCW’s views of convergence.

Summary

Regrets he cannot assist the fulfilment of CD’s request for a specimen of the orchid Corallorhiza.