Summary

Asks FD to forward some eczema mixture to Southampton for him

and to hunt out notes on earthworm activity at Beaulieu Abbey.

Summary

Asks for details about microscope parts.

Wants FD to ask Hooker for species of Desmodium; CD believes he has found new movements.

Also ask whether Hooker has Drosophyllum.

Summary

Lists observations he would like FD to make on the dried species of Desmodium at Kew.

Summary

Circular letter regarding the distribution of CD’s excess income, with a note addressed to W. E. Darwin concerning his handling of Elizabeth Darwin’s share.

Summary

CD has just had an interview with Edward Frankland, who "almost laughs" at FD’s idea of getting potash and soda out of the soil by treating it with sulphuric acid. Asks FD to send him a soil sample to give to Frankland. Sends enclosures giving address and labels for soil samples.

Summary

Has sent some geese.

Summary

CD’s father thought he had not been treated fairly about his share of his mother’s [Mary Howard Darwin’s] fortune. Will not allude to this [in Erasmus Darwin]. Surprising that grandfather did not make more money. Has found memorandum of his having lost £1500 in ironworks.

Summary

Hopes to get another species of Desmodium from Mr Rollisson.

Summary

Comments on FG’s paper ["The history of twins"].

CD is "in a passion with the Spectator who always muddles".

Summary

Forwards chapter [of Orchids (1877)] for correction.

Sadness at the death of Amy.

Summary

Wants WED to collect some worm-castings from Beaulieu Abbey.

Summary

Has been waiting several months for a microscope objective and would like it without delay.

Summary

Asks that a presentation copy [of Descent?] be sent to Edward Blyth. Comments on publication.

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

Writes about their new billiard table.

Summary

Thanks for advice concerning preparation of soil for experiments. Will order the salts. Asks about burning soil or washing it with acid.

Thanks for invitation. His son [Francis] would like to inspect JHG’s plots.

Summary

On Nepenthes.

Asks JDH, if he publishes, to mention CD’s work on digestive powers of Drosera so that charges of plagiarism will not be made against CD later when he publishes.

Describes at length his observations on the movements of Desmodium.

Summary

Asks for quick decision on publication [of Earthworms]. Does not care whether it is published on commission or on usual terms, but wants it published in a hurry. Cannot guess at sales.

Summary

CD suggests fair way for the Heliotype Company to charge for new negatives and copies of plates.

Summary

Discusses domestic affairs.

Is working at the abstract of his book [Origin].

Asks WED to examine birds’ feet for dirt sticking to them, as this may represent a means of seed dispersal across seas.