whether you would like to be elected
an associate. As only one is elected annually, this is a decided honour.
The enclosed list shows what respectable men are associates. I
enclose the rules of admission. I feel sure that the rule that if no
communication is received within three years the associate is considered
to have voluntarily withdrawn, is by no means rigorously adhered to.
Therefore, I advise you to accept; but of course the choice is quite
free. You will see there is no payment. You had better write to me on
this subject, as Dr. Hooker or I will propose you.

LETTER 652. TO J.D. HOOKER. September 13th, 1864.

I have been greatly interested by Scott's paper. I probably overrate
it from caring for the subject, but it certainly seems to me one of the
very most remarkable memoirs on such subjects which I have ever read.
From the subject being complex, and the style in parts obscure, I
suppose very few will read it. I think it ought to be noticed in the
"Natural History Review," otherwise the more remarkable facts will never
be known. Try and persuade Oliver to do it; with the summary it would
not be troublesome. I would offer, but I have sworn to myself I will do
nothing till my volume on "Variation under Domestication" is complete.
I know you will not have time to read Scott, and therefore I will just
point out the new and, as they seem to me, important points.

Firstly, the red cowslip, losing its dimorphic structure and changing
so extraordinarily in its great production of seed with its own pollen,
especially being nearly sterile when fertilised by, or fertilising,
the common cowslip. The analogous facts with red and white primrose.
Secondly, the utter dissimilarity of action of the pollen of long- and
short-styled form of one species in crossing with a distinct species.
And many other points. Will you suggest to Oliver to review this paper?
if he does so, and if it would be of any service to him, I would (as
I have attended so much to these subjects) just indicate, with pages,
leading and new points. I could send him, if he wishes, a separate and
spare copy marked with pencil.

LETTER 653. TO ASA GRAY. September 13th [1864].

(653/1. In September, 1864, Darwin wrote to Asa Gray describing Scott's
work on the Primulaceae as:--)

A paper which has interested me greatly by a gardener, John Scott;
it seems to me a most remarkable production, though written rather
obscurely in parts, but worth the labour