i862— 1871] JOHN SCOTT 327 



J, I ) 1 looker. Letter 652 



pt. 13th, 1S64. 



I hav< been greatly interested by Scott's paper. I 

 probably overrate it from caring for the subject, but it 

 certainly seems to me one of the very most remarkable 

 memoirs on such subjects which I have ever read. From the 

 subject being complex, and the style in parts obscure, I 

 suppose very few will read it. 1 think it ought to be noticed 

 in the Natural History Review^ otherwise the more remark- 

 able facts will never be known. Try and persuade Oliver to 

 do it ; with the summary it would not be troublesome. I 

 would offer, but I have sworn to myself I will do nothing 

 till my volume on Variation under Domestication is complete. 

 I know you will not have time to read Scott, and therefore I 

 will just point out the new and, as they seem to me, important 

 points. 



Firstly, the red cowslip, losing its dimorphic structure and 

 changing so extraordinarily in its great production of seed 

 with its own pollen, especially being nearly sterile when ferti- 

 lised by, or fertilising, the common cowslip. The analogous 

 facts with red and white primrose. Secondly, the utter dis- 

 similarity of action of the pollen of long- and snort-styled 

 form of one species in crossing with a distinct species. And 

 many other points. Will you suggest to Oliver to review this 

 paper? if he does so, and if it would be of any service to 

 him, I would (as 1 have attended so much to these subjects) 

 just indicate, with pages, leading and new points. I could 

 send him, if he wishes, a separate and spare copy marked 

 with pencil. 



To Asa Gray. Letter 653 



Sept. 13th [186 

 In September, 1864, Darwin wrote to Asa Gray describing Scott's 

 work on the Primulaceae as : — 



A pap< r which has interested me greatly by a gardener, 



John Scott ; it seems to me a most remarkable production, 

 though written rather obscurely in parts, but worth the 

 labour of studying. I have just bethought me that for the 

 chance of your noticing it in the Journal^ I will point 

 the new and very remarkable facts. I have paid the poor 

 fellow's passage out to India, where I hope he will succeed, 



