i843— JS82] FLOATING SEEDS 419 



have done more than one extremely small step in solving Letter 322 

 the problem of distribution, for I can quite appreciate the 

 importance of the fact you point out ; and then the directions 

 of currents in past and present times have to be considered ! 1 



I shall be very curious to hear Berkeley's results in the 

 salting line. 



With respect to geological changes, I ought to be one 

 of the last men to undervalue them after my map of coral 

 islands, and after what I have seen of elevation on coast of 

 America. Farewell. I hope my letters do not bother you. 

 Again, and for the last time, I say that I should be extremely 

 vexed if ever you write to me against the grain or when tired. 



To J. S. Henslow. Letter 323 



Down, July 2nd [1855]. 



Very many thanks for all you have done, and so very 

 kindly promise to do for me. 



Will you make a present to each of the little girls (if not 

 too big and grandiose) of 6d. (for which I send stamps), who 

 are going to collect seeds for me : viz., Lychnis, white, red, and 

 flesh-colour (if such occur). 



. . . Will you be so kind as to look at them before sent, 

 just to see positively that they are correct, for remember how 

 ignorant botanically I am. 



Do you see the Gardeners' Chronicle, and did you notice 

 some little experiments of mine on salting seeds ? Celery and 

 onion seed have come up after eighty-five days' immersion in 

 the salt water, which seems to me surprising, and I think 

 throws some light on the wide dispersion of certain plants. 

 Now, it has occurred to me that it would be an interesting 

 way of testing the probability of sea-transportal of seeds, to 

 make a list of all the European plants found in the Azores — 

 a very oceanic archipelago — collect the seeds, and try if they 

 would stand a pretty long immersion. Do you think the 

 most able of your little girls would like to collect for me a 

 packet of seeds of such Azorean plants as grow near Hitcham, 

 I paying, say 3^. for each packet : it would put a few shillings 

 into their pockets, and would be an enormous advantage to 

 me, for I grudge the time to collect the seeds, more especially 

 as I have to learn the plants ! The experiment seems to 

 me worth trying : what do you think ? Should you object 



