Summary

Thanks CD for his full reply. Sends additional facts derived from further observation, and a possible solution.

Summary

Has been writing a notice of H. W. Bates’s "capital book" [Naturalist on the river Amazons (1863)].

P. M. Duncan’s coral paper [J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 29 (1863): 406–58] strengthens SPW’s belief in the general diffusion of marine forms westward in the course of time.

Summary

Recalls the long walks in Cambridge with the "expectant senior wrangler". Cannot accept invitation (related to meetings of the BAAS) because of continuing bad health, his own and that of his children.

Summary

Sends description of Chrysosplene, asks about glands.

Summary

PHG’s hypothesis [regarding the self-fertilising mechanism of Stanhopea] may prove quite true, but CD suggests that PHG should observe another spike to make sure. CD will observe his Stanhopea if it flowers.

Summary

His observations of varieties of Verbascum.

Reference to Abbé Correa in the Life of Sir J. E. Smith.

Summary

Has heard from Julius von Haast that some of his letters were lost before leaving New Zealand. Haast’s enclosure for CD has been forwarded.

Haast and James Hector have both sent accounts of their travels in New Zealand.

Summary

CD describes first observation of gyratory motion of tendrils: explains its adaptive function is to find objects to hold on to.

Summary

Discussion of, and thanks for, CLB’s new work, Races of the Old World [1863]. Special interest in p. 388 on colour and constitution; CD mentions questions sent previous year to surgeons serving in tropical countries regarding diseases and colour of hair and skin.

Summary

Sends Asa Gray letter to JDH. Gray’s "Coolness about England and U. S. beats anything".

John Scott’s difficulties at Edinburgh Botanic Garden.

JS’s paper on Primula crossing experiments.

Sends MS note about closing of stigma in orchids being dependent on affinity of pollen and independent of protusion of pollen-tubes.

Summary

Has caught a frog and examined its possibly rudimentary toe. Asks THH if he will dissect it.

Has heard THH is abused in Edinburgh Review and in Anthropological Review [reviews of Man’s place in nature, Edinburgh Rev. 117 (1863): 541–69 and Anthrop. Rev. 1 (1863): 107–17].

Owen on heterogeny and the aye-aye.

Has been very ill.

Summary

Herbert Spencer’s work disappointing – "all words & generalities".

Summary

Sends his tranformist book [De la création: essai sur l’origine et la progression des êtres, 5 vols. (1838–41)]; his admiration for CD’s work.

Summary

Dimorphism in Linum.

Situation in some of the lower Algae is analogous to that in phaenogams. In some, conjugation occurs between separate filaments, in others between cells of same filament.

Forwards a letter from S. O. Glenie enclosing specimens of Cassia fistula which show the two forms of the anthers.

Summary

Progress of pigeon and poultry breeding experiments. No loss of fertility observed yet.

Blue-eyed cats and deafness.

Summary

Possible dimorphism in Phlox.

Knows of no U. S. law prohibiting marriage of cousins.

Gives references to papers on phyllotaxy.

Summary

GB’s address [Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond. (1863): xi–xxix] pleased him as much as Lyell’s book [Antiquity of man] disappointed him on species question. GB has done a "real good turn to the right side".

Summary

JDH and Oliver impressed with CD’s observations on gyratory motion of plants.

CD pleased with Bentham’s Linnean Society address on the reception of Darwinism [J. Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond. 7 (1863): xi–xxix].

JDH’s social "dogma": "Brains x Beauty = Breeding + wealth".

[Dated 9 June by JDH.]

Summary

Thanks AG for references about phyllotaxy

and information on marriage laws.

Has been looking for dimorphism in Phlox and Euonymus.

Has observed the irritability of tendrils of Echinocystis with great interest. Was also struck by the rotating movements of the leading shoots, which he proposes to investigate.

Summary

JDH lays hard treatment of John Scott to J. H. Balfour’s anti-Darwinism.