are very contemptuous about making out use of organs; but
they may sneer the souls out of their bodies, and I for one shall think
it the most interesting part of natural history. Indeed, you are greatly
mistaken if you doubt for one moment on the very great value of your
constant and most kind assistance to us. I have not seen the pamphlet,
and shall be very glad to keep it. Frank, when he comes home, will
be much interested and pleased with your letter. Pray give my kindest
remembrance to Mrs. Dyer.

This is a very untidy note, but I am very tired with dissecting worms
all day. Read the last chapter of our book, and then you will know the
whole contents.

LETTER 759. TO H. VOCHTING. Down, December 16th, 1880.

Absence from home has prevented me from sooner thanking you for your
kind present of your several publications. I procured some time ago your
"Organbilding" (759/1. "Organbildung im Pflanzenreich," 1878.) etc., but
it was too late for me to profit by it for my book, as I was correcting
the press. I read only parts, but my son Francis read the whole with
care and told me much about it, which greatly interested me. I also read
your article in the "Bot. Zeitung." My son began at once experimenting,
to test your views, and this very night will read a paper before the
Linnean Society on the roots of Rubus (759/2. Francis Darwin, "The
Theory of the Growth of Cuttings" ("Linn. Soc. Journ." XVIII.). [I take
this opportunity of expressing my regret that at page 417, owing to
neglect of part of Vochting's facts, I made a criticism of his argument
which cannot be upheld.--F.D.].), and I think that you will be pleased
to find how well his conclusions agree with yours. He will of course
send you a copy of his paper when it is printed. I have sent him your
letter, which will please him if he agrees with me; for your letter has
given me real pleasure, and I did not at all know what the many great
physiologists of Germany, Switzerland, and Holland would think of it
["The Power of Movement," etc.]. I was quite sorry to read Sachs' views
about root-forming matter, etc., for I have an unbounded admiration for
Sachs. In this country we are dreadfully behind in Physiological Botany.

LETTER 760. TO A. DE CANDOLLE. Down, January 24th, 1881.

It was extremely kind of you to write me so long and valuable a
letter, the whole of which deserves careful consideration. I have been
particularly pleased at what you say about the new t