428 BOTANY [Chap. X- 



explained, was the discoverer of the curious peg in Cucurbita. Proi. 

 Bower wrote a paper "On the Germination and Histology of the 

 seedling of Welwitschia mirabilis" in the Quart. Journ. Microscop. Sci., 

 XXL, 1881, p. 15. 



Down, Nov. 28th [18S0]. 



Letter 758 Very many thanks for your most kind note, but you think- 

 too highly of our work — not but what this is very pleasant. 



I am deeply interested about Welwitschia. When at work 

 on the pegs or projections I could not imagine how they were 

 first developed, before they could have been of mere mechani- 

 cal use. Now it seems possible that a circle between radicle 1 

 and hypocotyl may be permeable to fluids, and thus have 

 given rise to projections so as to expose larger surface. 

 Could you test Welwitschia with permanganate of potassium : 

 if, like my pegs, the lower surface would be coloured brown 

 like radicle, and upper surface left white like hypocotyl. If 

 such an idea as yours, of an absorbing organ, had ever crossed 

 my mind, I would have tried many hypocotyls in weak 

 citrate of ammonia, to see if it penetrated on line of junction 

 more easily than elsewhere. I daresay the projection in 

 Abronia and Mirabilis may be an absorbent organ. It was 

 very good fun bothering the seeds of Cucurbita by planting 

 them edgeways, as would never naturally occur, and then the 

 peg could not act properly. Many of the Germans are very 

 contemptuous about making out use of organs ; but they may 

 sneer the souls out of their bodies, and I for one shall think it 

 the most interesting part of natural history. Indeed, you are 

 greatly mistaken if you doubt for one moment on the very 

 great value of your constant and most kind assistance to us. 

 I have not seen the pamphlet, and shall be very glad to keep 

 it. Frank, when he comes home, will be much interested and 

 pleased with your letter. Pray give my kindest remembrance 

 to Mrs. Dyer. 



This is a very untidy note, but I am very tired with 

 dissecting worms all day. Read the last chapter of our book, 

 and then you will know the whole contents. 



t » *** To H. Vochting. 



Letter 759 ° 



Down, Dec. i6th, 1880. 



Absence from home has prevented me from sooner thank- 

 ing you for your kind present of your several publications. 



