304 GEOEGE JOHN EOMANBS 189» 



left one set undisturbed, whilst the other eight sets 

 were transferred to their respective gases (nine in 

 number), where they remained sealed up for a year. 

 On being planted last month they have all germinated 

 even better than those from the control packets of 

 seeds, which have been in air all the time. 



I should have thought beforehand that at any rate 

 the seeds which ha,ve been in so high a vacuum for 

 fifteen months would have had any residual air ex- 

 tracted. But I will now try for next year, peeling 

 peas, beans, &c., as you suggest. Do you think it 

 would be well also to soak the seeds for a few hours 

 before sealing in Crookes' tubes ? 



Do not trouble to answer by letter, as I am going 

 to Cambridge on the 21st inst. for the day, and will 

 then see you if I can find you at home. 



I am not exactly ' at work,' as I am not as yet 

 well enough to attempt ii at anything like ordinary 

 pressure, but I am certainly better, and much obhged 

 to you for your kind inquiries upon the subject. 



With our united kind regards to Mrs. Darwin and 

 yourself, 



I remain, yours sincerely, 



G. J. KOMANES. 



P.S. My illness has left me half blind, so I write 

 as much as possible by dictation. (What a bull !) 



94 St.Aldate's, Oxford: June 15. 



My dear Dyer, — Many thanks for your letter with 



enclosures. The letter shows that 's opinion has 



not altered since I last saw him. As I think I told 



