Summary

Will write to de Chaumont to ask whether anyone at Netley is able to observe shivering fits. Has not got H. Spencer essays.

Summary

Heterostyly in Linum perenne. Believes the American form may be a distinct species.

Summary

Gladly turns reading room over to JWCF for his mission work. Through his gospel services there is not a drunkard left in the village.

Summary

Hooker approves of Torbitt’s plan [concerning potato experiments]. Torbitt, wine and spirit merchant in Belfast, highly respectable.

Summary

Sends MS of section on voice as a means of expression [Expression, pp. 86–93]. CD is dissatisfied with it – wishes he could avoid the subject.

Summary

CD has seen Sir John [Lubbock] who suggests that L. Playfair would be the best man to present the [vivisection] petition, but thinks the proposed bill much more important and useful. JL also suggests that the bill be given a more humanitarian aspect and that it be presented to both Houses of Parliament.

Summary

Asks for a specimen of Pinguicula.

Summary

Sorry to hear of his illness.

On his visit to J. F. McLennan, GHD might tell him that CD thinks A. R. Wallace would work up McLennan’s materials conscientiously.

Summary

Greatly excited by the astronomical implications of his work.

Summary

CD is pleased with EK’s account in Kosmos [8 (1880–1): 321–2] of the Buffon and Coleridge passage [cited by Samuel Butler, see 12939, 12969]. Would like a translation published in England, but Butler seeks notoriety and would make unscrupulous use of it. Will ask advice. Thinks EK’s letter to Popular Science Monthly, just received, an excellent reply to Butler.

Summary

If THF and James Caird [Enclosure Commissioner] approve of enclosed letter, CD will send it to Hooker.

Summary

Thanks for Megarrhiza seeds and information. Has been greatly interested by Megarrhiza germination.

Samuel Butler has attacked CD over Erasmus Darwin.

Summary

Has been in bed for some days with ugly head symptoms. "We are a poor lot."

Summary

Welcomes JDH home from American expedition.

Summary

Will be pleased to have VOK come to Down any day.

Summary

Thanks HWJ for his kind note. If the weather had been better CD could have made the visit [of the Lewisham & Blackheath Scientific Association] more agreeable.