Summary

Thanks for the pure phosphate of lime.

Summary

Discusses LR’s communication concerning supernumerary mammae.

Summary

Is sorry to hear the news about the cousin question – a real misfortune.

Congratulates GHD on being nearly finished with work on Descent.

Summary

F. M. Balfour is in Naples. Comments on rate at which sea eats back the land, as given in early editions of Origin.

Summary

GHD’s corrections seem very good. Murray hopes there will be few corrections in Descent. CD assured him no changes have been made merely for improving style.

Wants very much to hear about "the terrible cousin affair".

Summary

Requests permission to call briefly to discuss Drosera.

Summary

Approves of proof [of subscription appeal for Dohrn’s Naples station]. Suggests names.

Summary

Has received circulars, and contributions from Lyell and George Busk [for Naples biological station].

Summary

Thanks for letter relating to domesticated bullfinches’ instinctively cutting off cowslips [see 9430]. Suggests observing whether the birds swallow any part of flower or particular parts.

Summary

Asks CHM to send his paper.

Summary

Agrees to sign FDeC’s certificate for admission to the Royal Society.

Summary

Discusses illustrations for 2d edition of Descent.

"My nephew [Henry Parker] got into the Athenaeum with splendid success."

Summary

Delighted to hear about Coronilla. Urges publication ["Fertilisation of papilionaceous flowers– Coronilla", Nature 10 (1874): 169–70].

Summary

Is glad to have Descent cheaper and sold more largely, but would be sorry to see it printed like the Origin. "The closeness of the lines is the great fault." Fears book might be very thick. "I hear scores of people complaining of the heavy and thick books which you publish."

Summary

Circular requesting recipients to sign an enclosed [missing] statement [relating to appeal for Naples Zoological Station] if they approve of it.