The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1877.11.09-14. Acacia like cultriformis. CUL-DAR67.37. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 3.2023. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin.

The volume CUL-DAR67 contains notes on 'bloom'. Francis Darwin explained: "His researches into the meaning of the 'bloom,' or waxy coating found on many leaves, was one of those inquiries which remained unfinished at the time of his death. He amassed a quantity of notes on the subject". LL3: 339. See an Introduction to these folders by Christine Chua & John van Wyhe.

[37]

Nov. 9' 77/. — 5˚. P.m.

Acacia like cultriformis, but distinct from Kew.

One branched with leaves sponged with tepid water & 2 left with slight bloom on. —

Nov. 12 7˚ P.m. The leaves on cleaned twig more crumpled, & perhaps feel dryer several near base have dropped off & this is not so with the other 2 twigs.

Nov 13th 8˚ m. there can be no doubt cleaned leaves dryer & crisper

― 13th 2˚. 45' still more conspicuous difference of same kind.

― 14' 8˚ 30' a. m. conspicuous difference in appearance; every leaf on cleaned branch dropped off from a touch; whereas on the 2 branches with bloom only the basal leaves dropped off, when similarly treated. —

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)