328 CHARLES CARDALE BABINGTON. [1855— ST 



that "natural orders are but enlarged genera, genera are but 

 collections of species, species of varieties, and varieties of 

 individuals." Thus leading me to suppose two things (1) that I 

 am idling away my time in that smaller proportion that the value 

 of my work holds to that of Koch, Fries, &c., (2) that there are no 

 such thing as species in nature — all are individuals. I do not 

 really think that he means either the one or the other, but so it 

 reads. I have done what is now become rather a wonder, lately, 

 viz. : — added two species to my local " Flora of Cambridgeshire " : 

 Herniaria glabra, and Alyssum calycinum. I gathered Phleum 

 Boehmeri and Hypochoeris maculata last week. I trust that Mrs. 

 Balfour is well. — Very truly yours, Charles C. Babington. 



To the Rev. W. H. Purchas. 



Cambkidge, March 21, 1857. 



Dear Purchas, — I am very much obliged to you for remembering 

 my wish to have seeds of Euphorbia strida. They will be sown imme- 

 diately. I can give no satisfactory account of the Epipadis, for you 

 know it was far too much advanced in seed. Backhouse agrees with 

 me in naming one of the Hierada lasiophyllum, and the other jMllidiim. 

 I remember nothing about the Parietarias, but am inclined to think 

 that the supposed two were there, and that they are really only one 

 species. I have long been tending towards this view, but have not 

 yet quite arrived at it. I hope, with what you so kindly say is your 

 wish, that nothing will happen to prevent my visiting Teesdale with 

 you in June next, and have no reason to contem.plate any difficulty 

 arising. Hayward is here, and he tells me that the college separates 

 at about June 20. Probably, therefore, at about that time will suit 

 for our trip. I am half inclined to visit Durham for a day or two 

 before Hayward leaves, if that should suit with other things. I 

 have lately been working, as far as many engagements will allow, 

 at an elaborate essay upon Eubi. It is my hope soon to have gone 

 through all our species, and prepared MS. upon them, but shall not 

 print anything until after at least one other autumn. Several names 

 must be changed, and several plants grouped differently. I have 

 now an enormous collection of them. — Yours most truly, Charles 

 C. Babington. 



To "William Borrer, Esq. 



Cambridge, July 10, 1857. 



My dear Sir, — Through carelessness I have posted a letter for 

 you with Hurst Green as the head office. It will perhaps reach you, 

 notwithstanding. If not, it will not much matter. It treated of the 

 Ejnlobia which you sent to me in a young state. Notwithstanding 

 the difference in the hibernacula, I cannot now find that the new one 

 differs in any considerable degree from E. obscurum. Please to look 



