Summary

Describes bearded horses seen on island of Sark.

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Expresses his gratitude for CD’s criticism and advice relating to his unripe hypothesis [see 12200]. His new results regarding the anatomy of different genera of Nemerteans, especially the discovery of a central nervous system.

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Observations on maize.

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Acknowledges receipt of Erasmus Darwin.

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Thanks for copy of Erasmus Darwin.

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Asks CD to express his opinion on vivisection to help the anti-vivisection cause in Germany.

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The hybrid geese FBG sent to CD were brother and sister from the same hatch. Would greatly value a copy of Nature containing CD’s letter.

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Returns Guthrie. Comments at length on Guthrie’s critique of Spencer.

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Sorry he was out when CD came to visit.

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At CD’s request he has read Malcolm Guthrie’s book [On Mr Spencer’s formula of evolution (1879)], which is a critique of First principles. He finds it a helpful clarification of Spencer’s views; however, it is as pseudo-scientific as the book it criticises.

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Sends subscription form for English edition of Weismann’s Studien.

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Supplies facts on the colours of each sex in butterflies from the genera Ornithoptera and Heterochroa.

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Herbert Spencer, though not the scientific thinker he sees himself to be, was extremely important in conditioning the generation’s acceptance of evolution. Compares Spencer and Robert Chambers as teachers, rather than discoverers, of new ideas.

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On Wallace’s need for a regular income. He has been rejected as Superintendent of Epping Forest. Thinks men such as Lubbock, Hooker, and CD might help.

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Argues against pension for Wallace because of his spiritualism; the underhanded way he brought about discussion of spiritualism at BAAS; his pocketing money from a bet on the sphericity of the earth; his lack of absolute poverty.

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Thanks CD for acting on her suggestion about getting Wallace an income; acknowledges the difficulty. Is not sure Wallace would accept government money for doing nothing in return.

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Thanks CD for trouble over Wallace, even though success not assured.

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Questions CD on the possibility of selecting disease-resisting potatoes to produce ultimately a disease-resistant variety.

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RWD has read "with deep interest" Erasmus Darwin. He has copies of four letters from Erasmus Darwin to his great-grandfather, Richard Dixon, and he encloses a copy of the most interesting one.

Summary

Is sending CD his Illustrated book of poultry in which the chapter on the "Origin of the domestic fowl" may be of interest.

He ventures to mention several errors in Variation.

Mentions the late Mr Lane of Bristol, a celebrated Spanish breeder (of poultry).