m GEOKGE JOHN EOMANES 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 c boasting ' and good 

 wishes, I remain very sincerely and most respect- 

 fully yours, ■'}■ 



Geo. J. Eomanes. 



From G. 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 Brunton. 



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 



