But on my life it is sublimely ridiculous, my making suggestions to such a man.
I cannot help thinking that what you say about low plants being widely distributed and standing injurious conditions better than higher ones (but is not this most difficult to show ?) is equally favourable to sea-transport, to continental connexions, and all other means.

Pray do not suppose that I fancy that if I could show that nearly all seeds could stand an almost indefinite period of immersion in sea-water, that I have done more than one EXTREMELY SMALL step in solving the problem of distribution, for I can quite appreciate the importance of the fact you point out; and then the directions of currents in past and present times have to be considered!! I shall be very curious to hear Berkeley's results in the salting line.
With respect to geological changes, I ought to be one of the last men to undervalue them after my map of coral islands, and after what I have seen of elevation on coast of America.Farewell.I hope my letters do not bother you.

Again, and for the last time, I say that I should be extremely vexed if ever you write to me against the grain or when tired.
LETTER 323.

TO J.S HENSLOW.

Down, July 2nd [1855].
Very many thanks for all you have done, and so very kindly promise to do for me.
Will you make a present to each of the little girls (if not too big and grandiose) of six pence (for which I send stamps), who are going to collect seeds for me: viz., Lychnis, white, red, and flesh-colour (if such occur).
...Will you be so kind as to look at them before sent, just to see positively that they are correct, for remember how ignorant botanically I am.
Do you see the "Gardeners' Chronicle," and did you notice some little experiments of mine on salting seeds?
Celery and onion seed have come up after eighty-five days' immersion in the salt water, which seems to me surprising, and I think throws some light on the wide dispersion of certain plants.