Summary

Thanks WBT for proofs of his new book [Pigeons (1868)].

Hopes he still intends to try the experiment with dyed pigeons.

Was surprised to hear of B. P. Brent’s death.

Summary

Asks whether JM is interested in publishing A. E. Brehm, Illustrirtes Thierleben [4 vols. (1864–7)], which has had immense sale on the continent.

Is making good progress with proofs [of Variation].

Summary

Sends the four volumes [of Brehm’s Thierleben] for Murray’s consideration.

Summary

Thanks for CV’s Mémoire sur les microcéphales [1867]. Curious how CD and CV have come to similar conclusions about atavism.

Summary

Thanks for reply to queries. Spectroscope an instance of unimagined glorious prospects of science.

Summary

Thanks AG for sending W. M. Canby’s letter on Dionaea. Although already familiar with the facts concerning the secretions, the letter "fires me up to complete and publish on Drosera, Dionæa, etc."

Summary

Is not sure he thinks so much of BDW’s argument in his last paper as of some others he advanced. Is BDW sure Lucanidae use jaws for holding female in copulation rather than for fighting other males?

Summary

Queries about expressions in crying monkeys.

Has received letter from Hermann Müller on orchid fertilisation.

Summary

Made aware by Asa Gray of error with respect to Cypripedium. Does not doubt it is self-fertilised.

Summary

Thanks JBEB for seeds of Draba which he will sow next year.

Describes the results of some crossing experiments with Papaver.

Summary

Thanks CL for comments [on Variation].

Thinks Pangenesis would be important step in biology if admitted as probable.

Introduction to French edition [of Origin] has injured the book.

Summary

Will not attend the British Association meeting at Dundee.

Summary

Letter recommending V. O. Kovalevsky to a publisher.

Summary

Thanks for information on Galloway cattle. [See 5614.]

Interested in WBD’s work on descent of the rhinoceros; is pleased to learn that he does not consider species to be immutable.

Summary

CD finds the case of Muraltia with irritable stamens curious.

Thanks JPMW for his help with expression queries and would be grateful for any more information. Believes the action of the so-called "grief muscles" is a result of combined action of two muscles.

Summary

Suggests Dawkins publish a paper on new facts on changes in the skeletal structure of animals kept but not bred in captivity.

Summary

Asks FD to check whether a Latin sentence is correct.