Summary

Acknowledges copy of Insectivorous plants; has observed Drosera filiformis leaves closing around prey.

Summary

When the tails of horned cattle are rubbed ‘just below the root,’ they invariably twist their bodies, stretch their necks, and begin to lick their lips.

Summary

Asks CD’s opinion on whether there is a fundamental difference between the "primitive forms" of animals and plants. Mentions and rejects various views of major distinguishing characteristics.

Summary

Has secured rights to Variation from Judd & Co.; had to pay $350 [dollars or pounds!?] for old plates and promise 50% discount on 150 copies of the new edition. Hopes Murray’s charge for plates of new edition will not exceed cost of doing the work in the U. S. Judd lost out considerably from small sale of his edition.

Summary

Wishes CD to present RLT’s paper on insectivorous plants to the Royal Society.

Summary

Sends an article for CD’s opinion.

Has finished an account of the globes for the Philosophical Magazine ["On maps of the world", 50 (1875): 431–44].

His poor health has interfered with his pitch experiments.

Summary

Sends CD his answers to W. D. Whitney’s articles. Sees man as separated from other animals by the possession of language. There is no scientific evidence for even the slightest attempt at language in the higher animals, which cannot, therefore, be reasonably regarded as "stunted man". [See "In self-defence", Chips from a German workshop 4 (1875): 473–549.]

Summary

JDH shares CD’s annoyance with R. L. Tait.

Has identified awned carpels for CD.

Sports of Paritium.

Suggests extending Francis’ experiments with glycerine on twisted seeds, to Mimosa.

Summary

PS concerning Imantophyllum.

Summary

Sent a copy of Orchis book to Gentry. Mentions Morley’s article on Diderot. Asks for another copy of the new edition of Descent.

Summary

Reports observations of T. C. Renshaw on how some flowers of the Tritoma catch bees and other insects. Thinks it may be a contrivance against unbidden visitors, as insects caught are not consumed.

Summary

Wants CD to contribute to a new magazine to promote theism.

Summary

Gives directions for growing plants he has sent and corrects CD’s taxonomy.

Summary

It has been empirically established at Kew that insular plants tend to be heteromorphic, plants with entire leaves tending to produce divided leaves.

Summary

Comments on Hermann Müller’s article on the structure of Gunnera flowers.

Summary

Thanks CD for consenting to present his paper.

Summary

Asks whether he may send two or three other tubes [of boiled infusions] to be placed in the open and observed for him.

Summary

Is glad CD is working on cross- and self-fertilisation; reports recent works of botanists, notably Thomas Meehan’s ["Are insects any material aid to plants in fertilisation?", Philadelphia Press 13 Aug 1875], in which the importance of cross-fertilisation is denied.

Summary

Has heard that 2d ed. of Variation is out. If CD will send it to him, he will complete the Italian translation in a short time.

His translation of Expression is nearly finished [published in 1878],

and the 2d ed. of Origin is almost entirely published.

Summary

About a Polish edition of Variation.