I have read heaps of agricultural and horticultural books, and have never ceased collecting facts.

At last gleams of light have come, and I am almost convinced (quite contrary to the opinion I started with) that species are not (it is like confessing a murder) immutable.
Heaven forfend me from Lamarck nonsense of a "tendency to progression," "adaptations from the slow willing of animals," etc.! But the conclusions I am led to are not widely different from his; though the means of change are wholly so.

I think I have found out (here's presumption!) the simple way by which species become exquisitely adapted to various ends.

You will now groan, and think to yourself, "on what a man have I been wasting my time and writing to." I should, five years ago, have thought so...( 13/3.

On the questions here dealt with see the interesting letter to Jenyns in the "Life and Letters," II., page 34.) LETTER 14.