Rolleston referred to the vitality of seeds in soil, a subject on which Darwin made occasional observations.
See "Life and Letters," II., page 65.): his style is quite unparalleled! I see he quotes you about seed, so yesterday I went and observed more carefully the case given in the enclosed paper, which perhaps you might like to read and burn.
How true and good what you say about Lyell.

He is always the same; Dohrn was here yesterday, and was remarking that no one stood higher in the public estimation of Germany than Lyell.
I am truly and profoundly glad that you are thinking of some general work on Geographical Distribution, or so forth; I hope to God that your incessant occupations may not interrupt this intention.

As for my book, I shall not have done the accursed proofs till the end of November (238/4.

The proofs of the "Descent of Man" were finished on January 15th, 1871.): good Lord, what a muddled head I have got on my wretched old shoulders.
LETTER 239.

TO H.SETTEGAST.Down, September 29th, 1870.
I am very much obliged for your kind letter and present of your beautiful volume.