Summary

Comments on new edition of EH’s book [Natürliche Schöpfungsgeschichte, 2d ed. (1870)].

Mentions his own book [Descent].

Visit by Kölliker.

Summary

On mutations in rabbits.

Cytisus case is not a double graft.

Aggressive behaviour of birds of prey.

Summary

Thanks WWR for information on the Nehro idea of beauty and other facts relating to expression.

Summary

Has just sent MS of Descent to printers. Recognises that [because of Franco-Prussian War] the publisher will have given up idea of a German translation.

Though the war is a misfortune for science, CD rejoices at the wonderful success of Germany; has met no one who does not share this feeling.

Summary

Reports further observations on contraction of platysma. Has been assisted by J. Wood. [See Expression, pp. 302, 303.]

Summary

Cannot find the [indelicate] passage he referred to in last letter.

Various publication arrangements.

Summary

Orders seeds, ripened in Algiers; imported seed would be of no use. [Forwarded to Algiers by JDH, see 7272.]

Summary

Thanks WO for information on platysma, which he did not know could be brought into voluntary action. Is coming to believe it has nothing to do with expression.

On the relation between white colouring and susceptibility to poisonous plants, CD suggests WO send his paper to J. Wyman and propose he investigate whether white as well as black pigs will eat paint-root.

Summary

CD has complained of pins and needles keeping him from working on his book [Descent]. If he could spend ten days with HBJ, he would be well and fit.

Summary

For CD’s approval, cites passage from CD note he wants to quote in a lecture;

pleads for CD’s moral support for FEA’s work in free-thought movement.

Sends $50 [dollars or pounds!?] because he wants CD to become regular contributor to Index.

Summary

Is much obliged for information [about rabbits?].

Summary

Responds to her suggested corrections [of Descent].

Summary

Thanks JL for his book [Origin of civilization (1870)], which he has read with "extreme interest". Wishes JL had published four or five months earlier as CD would have "so profited & saved so much work". CD will have to modify some of what he has written [in Descent]. Sees they differ a good deal about moral sense "but hardly two men ever do agree on this perplexing subject".

JL’s note of the 16th [see 7277] about the Census arrived too late for CD to answer.

Summary

Relates instances of rabbits suffering from a condition which affects only the patches of white on their fur.

Will make observations on the platysma for CD.

Summary

Has sent F. Müller "a long screed" about the Passiflora.

Summary

Sends MS [of chs. 3 and 4, "Comparison of the mental powers of man and the lower animals", Descent] to HED for her criticism. CD fears parts are too much like a sermon; "who wd ever have thought I shd turn parson?"

Summary

Has received CD’s book [Forms of flowers]; thanks him for the compliment of the dedication.

Summary

Thanks for HHV’s interest in the census [CD’s plan to add questions on consanguineous marriage to the census] on which CD hopes to persuade Sir J. Lubbock to speak.

Summary

"Though next Spring will be rather late, I do not think it will be too late, & if in your power to send me some living specimens of Trox sabulosus, I shd. be greatly indebted to you.––-"