62 GEORGE JOHN ROMANES 1876- 



ambulacral system ; but Providence seems to have 

 specially designed that no substance in creation 

 should be adapted for sticking to the back of a starfish. 



The aviculse are very puzzling things. I am sure 

 Allen is wrong in his hypothesis of their function 

 being to remove parasitical growths ; for, on the one 

 hand, parasites are swarming around them unheeded, 

 and on the other, they go snapping away apparently 

 at nothing. It is more easy, however, to say what 

 they are not than what they are. 



I went a few days ago to see the vine. It is now 

 five feet high and vigorous, but I believe spring is 

 the proper time for grafting. 



With best thanks for your ' boasting ' and good 

 wishes, I remain very sincerely and most respect- 

 fully yours, 



GEO. J. EOMANES.' 



From C. Darwin, Esq. 



Down : June 4. 



Sir Joseph Fayrer supplied me with cobra poison. 

 It is very precious, but I have no doubt that by 

 explaining your motive he would give you a little, 

 and your best plan of applying would be through 

 Lauder Bruiiton. 



Your letter has made me as proud and conceited 

 as ten peacocks. I am inclined to think that writing 

 against the bigots about vivisection is as hopeless as 

 stemming a torrent with a reed. Frank, who has 

 just come here, and who speaks with indignation on 

 the subject, takes an opposite line, and perhaps he is 



