Summary

Had found out his error [use of "cleistogenous" for "cleistogamous" in Cross and self-fertilisation] some timeago.

Is now writing on cleistogamic flowers [for Forms of flowers (1877)], and, with it, will have worked up all his old materials on plants. JVC will then have a rest from his labours of translation.

Summary

Forms of flowers will soon be published and is not a long book.

Does not suppose he will publish any more books, "though perhaps a few more papers". He "cannot endure being idle, but Heaven knows whether I am capable of any more good work".

Erratum JVC sent was due to a printer’s error after he had seen last proofs.

Summary

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

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

Summary

Thanks JVC for a correction [for 3d German edition of Variation]. He is the most accurate translator that ever lived.

Summary

Neither he nor [Francis Darwin] intends publishing on inheritance.

They are working on physiology of plants [Movement in plants], but will not print for a year.

Thinks JVC’s new journal [Zoologische Anzeiger] will be of great use to students of zoology.

Summary

Gives an account of his publication plans for his and Ernst Krause’s Erasmus Darwin.

CD has never even dreamed of publishing his own autobiography.

Is now working, with Francis, on plant movements.

Summary

MS of Movement in plants in final stage. Fears it will displease many German physiologists. It is an attempt to bring all the diversified movements of plants under one general law or system.

Summary

Sends sheets of Movement in plants for translation, if JVC sees fit. It has some value and novelty, CD believes, but is very dull.

Summary

CD is ashamed of length of Movement in plants – with index, nearly 600 pages. JVC will be awfully sick of ch. 1.

In intervals of correcting proofs, he is writing on the formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms. It will be a curious little book [Earthworms].

Summary

Very pleased by JVC’s note about Movement in plants. Feared he would find it intolerably dull. Some missing sheets are being replaced. Also sends a perfect copy.

Summary

Thanks JVC for corrections of Movement in plants. Sends a clarifying sentence.

Earthworms nearly done – "a small book of little moment".

Reports his health is better than it was, "but I have little strength & feel very old".

Summary

Ernst Krause wishes to publish a section of Earthworms in Kosmos. CD has consented. Hopes JVC will not object. He feels under obligation to Krause.

Summary

CD will soon finish corrections [of Earthworms] for printer, and then clean sheets will be sent to JVC for translation of the book and to Ernst Krause. The subject has been a "hobby-horse" with CD, and he has perhaps treated it in foolish detail. Has told Krause he does not think any part of the MS suitable for Kosmos, but Krause must decide.

Summary

Delay in publication [of Earthworms] vexes CD, as he likes to throw a subject off his mind.

Summary

Sends corrections ("two bad errata & a blunder") in Earthworms, which is selling well in England.

Summary

Sends some additions and corrections he has made in the 5th thousand, [of Earthworms] now being printed.

Summary

Thanks JVC for his corrections of "stupid errata" [in Earthworms]. Explains, in answer to JVC’s query, that he has used the word "humus" as the equivalent of vegetable mould.

Summary

Expresses gratification that JVC is to undertake new translation and revision of German edition of the Origin.

Has heard many complaints about Bronn’s translation. JVC would be justified in omitting Bronn’s appendix.

Suggests additions and changes, including reference to C. W. v. Nägeli’s Entstehung und Begriff [1865], though he disagrees with it.

Summary

Answers some question about species.

Sends biographical sketch.

Now considers that a note on Nägeli would have to be too long to include. Discusses his differences with Nägeli. Cannot believe in spontaneous generation. At present the principle of life seems to him beyond the confines of science.

Summary

Answers JVC’s questions about the rock-thrush, the tortoise-shell cat, and the logger-headed duck.