Summary

Further discussion of evidence for sexual selection. Prefers "conscious" to "voluntary" action. Distinguishes features that serve as charms and those that serve as challenges.

Summary

Has made out some of the functions of "bloom", which he outlines.

Summary

Thanks for another part of Australian orchids.

Summary

Thinks most monkeys would become habituated to alcohol if they could get it.

Summary

Thanks RIL for notes.

Asks about movement of Euphorbia.

Summary

Is doubtful about the publication of Fritz Müller’s letter after so long an interval.

Summary

Wants a Euphorbia to test for leaf movements.

Summary

Thanks JVC for correcting a bad blunder in Forms of flowers.

His health fairly good; has been able to work "pretty hard".

Summary

Agrees to look over MS.

Summary

Thinks the facts in Fritz Müller’s letter could be published.

Recommends August Weismann’s essay on dimorphism ["Über den Saison-Dimorphismus der Schmetterlinge", Studien zur Descendenz-Theorie 1 (1875)]

and has no doubt that intermediate forms could be eliminated as RM suggests.

Summary

Thanks for Euphorbia.

Asks for plants for "bloom" experiments.

Summary

Does not think Fritz Müller can object to anything RM has said in his essay.

Has alluded to colour preference among butterflies in Descent [1: 400–1].

Summary

Thanks for Australian leaves for "bloom" experiments.

Summary

Thanks for Die niederen Pilze (Nägeli 1877).

Summary

Kind of JP to send notes on horses, but will not write on subject again.

Erasmus Darwin has not left his house for three years.

Summary

Thanks THF for the diary of worm activity at Abinger site.

Summary

Rejoices that SS has accepted his son [William]. Judging from his own experience "life would be a most dreary blank without a dear wife to love with all one’s soul".