H.C.Watson, "London Journal of Botany," 1843-44.) has surprised me much; do you not think it odd, the fewness of peculiar species, and their rarity on the alpine heights?
I wish he had tabulated his results; could you not suggest to him to draw up a paper of such results, comparing these Islands with Madeira?
surely does not Madeira abound with peculiar forms?
A discussion on the relations of the floras, especially the alpine ones, of Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands, would be, I should think, of general interest.

How curious, the several doubtful species, which are referred to by Watson, at the end of his paper; just as happens with birds at the Galapagos...Any time that you can put me in the way of reading about alpine floras, I shall feel it as the greatest kindness.

I grieve there is no better authority for Bourbon, than that stupid Bory: I presume his remark that plants, on isolated volcanic islands are polymorphous (i.e., I suppose, variable ?) is quite gratuitous.

Farewell, my dear Hooker.

This letter is infamously unclear, and I fear can be of no use, except giving you the impression of a botanical ignoramus.
LETTER 316.