Summary

Comments on and corrections for chapter 13, "Mammals", of Descent.

Summary

Has finished Descent, which charmed but did not convert him.

Sends examples of dogs’ reasoning.

Has given up his farm.

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Sends two bills [JM’s notes for payments due to CD] for £420 each for 3d issue of Descent.

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Several observations on protective coloration and sexual selection.

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CD is surprised and gratified by the interest in his views in America.

Has read the extract from the Liberal Christian sent by FEA and also Truths for the times, which he admires.

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Asks JM for final decision about a cheap edition of Origin. Would like to begin soon to revise and answer recent objections.

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More discussion of the illustrations for Expression.

A Swedish naturalist [G. Lindström] has asked to translate the Journal of researches.

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Sends corrections for Descent.

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Reports on the wholesale murder in Paris.

His wife, Sofya Kovalevsky, is working for her examinations.

VOK is studying embryology.

Alexander has left Suez and is now in Jaffa.

Summary

Not surprised that JBI does not agree with him. Many professed naturalists do not. But there has been a great change since publication of Origin, and CD believes agreement on man will come soon, "as far as his corporeal frame is concerned".

Horsman has not been heard from.

Summary

Offers to send some of his botanical field notes.

Convinced that certain families and genera vary in certain directions. Cites Lobelia’s "inclination" to produce albinos and other cases.

Reports a plant that is abundant in localities unfitted for its full development.

Wild buffaloes will help a wounded calf.

Response to CD’s views among American naturalists.

Summary

[Reference to Japanese nuthatch (see Descent, 2d ed., p. 410 n.) excised from letter.]

Sorry they will not have Frank Darwin with them any more.

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Thanks for informing him that the New York Liberal Club has elected him a member. Responds to request to give advice to beginners in biology.

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Thanks JVC for corrections for Descent. Index, which is too full, was hurried at the end.

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Thanks AN for facts and corrections [for Descent].

The case of the gull must come out [Descent 2: 108 n. 9]. "Oh Lord, how difficult accuracy is!"

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Retention of horns by female deer with fawn [see Descent, 2d ed., p. 503].

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Explains condor’s mode of flight.

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On photographic illustrations [for Expression].

Estimates 7s 6d price for a cheap edition of Origin [6th].

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Criticises a book [W. M. Williams, The fuel of the sun (1870)] whose author does not understand thermodynamics, spectrum analysis, and W. Thomson’s papers.

Summary

Cannot explain why moths fly into candle flames and birds against lighthouses. Has felt it was just curiosity which attracted them.

CD does believe dogs have some sense of humour.