cepting from his letters: these show remarkable talent, astonishing
perseverance, much modesty, and what I admire, determined difference
from me on many points.

What will Sir William say?

LETTER 655. TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, April 5th [1864].

I see my scheme for Scott has invincible difficulties, and I am very
much obliged to you for explaining them at such length. If ever I get
decently well, and Scott is free and willing, I will have him here for
a couple of years to work out several problems, which otherwise would
never be done. I cannot see what will become of the poor fellow. I
enclose a little pamphlet from him, which I suppose is not of much
scientific value, but is surprising as the work of a gardener. If
you have time do just glance over it. I never heard anything so
extraordinary as what you say about poisoning plants, etc.

...The post has just come in. Your interest about Scott is
extraordinarily kind, and I thank you cordially. It seems absurd to
say so, but I suspect that X is prejudiced against Scott because he
partially supports my views. (655/1. In a letter to Scott (dated June
11th) Darwin warns him to keep his views "pretty quiet," and quotes
Hooker's opinion that "if it is known that you agree at all with my
views on species it is enough to make you unpopular in Edinburgh.")

You must not trust my former letter about Clematis. I worked on too
old a plant, and blundered. I have now gone over the work again. It
is really curious that the stiff peduncles are acted upon by a bit of
thread weighing .062 of a grain.

Clematis glandulosa was a valuable present to me. My gardener showed
it to me and said, "This is what they call a Clematis," evidently
disbelieving it. So I put a little twig to the peduncle, and the next
day my gardener said, "You see it is a Clematis, for it feels." That's
the way we make out plants at Down.

My dear old friend, God bless you!

LETTER 656. TO J.D. HOOKER. [May 22nd, 1864].

What a good kind heart you have got. You cannot tell how your letter has
pleased me. I will write to Scott and ask him if he chooses to go out
and risk engagement. If he will not he must want all energy. He says
himself he wants stoicism, and is too sensitive. I hope he may not want
courage. I feel sure he is a remarkable man, with much good in him, but
no doubt many errors and blemishes. I can vouch for his high intellect
(in my judgment he is the best observer I ever came across); for his