More Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 1 · Charles Darwin
LETTER 323. TO J.S HENSLOW. Down, July 2nd [1855].
Ranunculus repens, Ranunculus parviflorus, Papaver rhoeas,? Papaver dubium,? Chelidonium majus,? Fumaria officinalis.? All these are Azorean plants. With respect to cultivating plants, I mean to begin on very few, for I may find it too troublesome. I have already had for some months primroses and cowslips, strongly manured with guano, and with flowers picked off, and one cowslip made to grow in shade; and next spring I shall collect seed. I think you have quite misunderstood me in regard to my object in getting you to mark in accompanying list with (x) all the "close species" (323/1. See Letter 279.) i.e., such as you do not think to be varieties, but which nevertheless are very closely allied; it has nothing whatever to do with their cultivation, but I cannot tell you [my] object, as it might unconsciously influence you in marking them. Will you draw your pencil right through all the names of those (few) species, of which you may know nothing. Afterwards, when done, I will tell you my object--not that it is worth telling, though I myself am very curious on the subject. I know and can perceive that the definition of "close species" is very vague, and therefore I should not care for the list being marked by any one, except by such as yourself. Forgive this long letter. I thank you heartily for all your assistance. My dear old Master, Yours affectionately, C. Darwin. Perhaps 3 pence would be hardly enough, and if the number of kinds does not turn out very great it shall be 6 pence per packet.
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