Summary

Has nearly finished his mathematical paper.

Is not sure when he will go to Patterdale.

Summary

Sends CD information he had requested on W. Graham.

Summary

Discusses funeral arrangements for E. A. Darwin, and his will.

Summary

E. A. Darwin’s funeral arrangements.

Summary

The merchants suggest that CD keep the wine and return it if more is corked.

Summary

Gives an account of the reception of his paper at York [BAAS meeting].

Summary

Has found the missing packet of forks, which he will send or take to Down.

Summary

Sends text of the gravestone inscription [for E. A. Darwin] and details of arrangements for removal of furniture from Queen Anne St.

Summary

Has sent the inscription [for E. A. Darwin’s gravestone]. If CD approves, will he forward it to G. S. ffinden [Vicar of Downe Parish] and William [Darwin].

Summary

Occupied with details of E. A. Darwin’s house and furniture. He has ordered a gravestone.

Summary

Sends an agreement for his signature and forwarding to Patterson & Bloxham.

Hears that James Challis [Plumian Professor of Astronomy, Cambridge] is on the point of death. Believes he has a good chance to succeed him; sends a list of the electors.

Summary

Writes of Challis’ health

and of other matters of family interest.

Summary

Thinks William Thomson will support him [for Plumian Professorship at Cambridge].

Summary

Asks whether he is to give a gratuity of "cinquanta lire sterling" to the cook at 6 Queen Anne St.

Summary

Will GHD ask Lord R[ayleigh] whether "gas-men in testing light, exclude the diffused light".

Summary

[Ernst Krause’s] letter to Nature ["Unconscious memory – Mr Samuel Butler", 23 (1881): 288] has been dispatched.

Gladstone has dated Wallace’s pension from last July, "which is splendid".

Summary

Describes lecture at Royal Institution by J. S. Burdon Sanderson on movement of plants and animals; JSBS’s preliminary part was so long that he never got to the plants.

Comments on the triumph of the ladies in the voting at Cambridge.

Mentions F. Galton’s visit to Down, a call on the Huxleys, and a visit with the Duke of Argyll.

Tells a story about the absent-mindedness of Burdon Sanderson.

Summary

Discusses a letter [not found] from R. S. Ball that has quite delighted him.

Describes events at Patterdale.

Summary

GHD’s abstract from Nature [24 (1881): 231] has been published in Kosmos.

John Collier has finished his portrait of CD.

Summary

The General Post Office sent one penny in response to GHD’s complaint, and demanded a receipt, which CD has sent. CD will keep the penny.