win refers.) and on Drosera.
(642/4. "Trans. Bot. Soc. Edinburgh," Volume VII.) Thanks for [note]
about Campanula perfoliata. I have asked Asa Gray for seeds, to whom
I have mentioned your observations on rostellum, and asked him to
look closer to the case of Gymnadenia. (642/5. See "Fertilisation
of Orchids," Edition II., page 68.) Let me hear about the sporting
Imatophyllum if it flowers. Perhaps I have blundered about Primula; but
certainly not about mere protrusion of pollen-tubes. I have been idly
watching bees of several genera and diptera fertilising O. morio at this
place, and it is a very pretty sight. I have confirmed in several ways
the entire truth of my statement that there is no vestige of nectar in
the spur; but the insects perforate the inner coat. This seems to me a
curious little fact, which none of my reviewers have noticed.

LETTER 643. TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, May 23rd [1863].

You can confer a real service on a good man, John Scott, the writer of
the enclosed letter, by reading it and giving me your opinion. I assure
[you] John Scott is a truly remarkable man. The part struck out is
merely that he is not comfortable under Mr. McNab, and this part must be
considered as private. Now the question is, what think you of the offer?
Is expense of living high at Darjeeling? May I say it is healthy? Will
he find the opportunity for experimental observations, which are a
passion with him? It seems to me rather low pay. Will you advise me for
him? I shall say that as far as experiments in hand at the Botanical
Garden in Edinburgh are concerned, it would be a pity to hesitate to
accept the offer.

J. Scott is head of the propagating department. I know you will not
grudge aiding by your advice a good man. I shall tell him that I have
not the slightest power to aid him in any way for the appointment. I
should think voyage out and home ought to be paid for?

LETTER 644. TO JOHN SCOTT. Down, May 25th, 1863.

Now for a few words on science. I do not think I could be mistaken about
the stigma of Bolbophyllum (644/1. Bolbophyllum is remarkable for the
closure of the stigmatic cavity which comes on after the flower has been
open a little while, instead of after fertilisation, as in other genera.
Darwin connects the fact with the "exposed condition of the whole
flower."--"Fertilisation of Orchids," Edition II., page 137.); I had
the plant alive from Kew, and watched many flowers. That is a most
remarkable observa