Summary

Has given the right of translation [of Descent] to Julius Victor Carus of Leipzig, so the recipient should inform Alexander Duncker to communicate with JVC.

Summary

In answer to CD’s queries, relates further details about feral sheep: they are sterile when wild, but can become tame again.

Summary

Role of humming-birds in plant fertilisation.

Alexander Agassiz has visited Down.

Sales of Facts and arguments for Darwin.

Encloses copy of T. H. Farrer letter [7015] and observations on the self-sterility of Eschscholzia.

Summary

Inquires about arrangements for the German translation and publication of their original Linnean Society papers [Collected papers 2: 3–19].

ARW thinks he has hit upon a solution to problem of geological time.

Summary

Further comments on arrangements for German translation of their joint paper.

Summary

Encloses a letter to which he had replied and saw no need for further attention.

Summary

Is glad CD likes the new edition [of Prehistoric times].

Has been lecturing in Scotland.

Summary

Provides further detail on his smooth-leaved holly tree with a spiny-leaved branch; his gardener asserts no budding or grafting has taken place.

Summary

Asks CD’s advice on procuring rabbits for experiments [to test Pangenesis by transfusing alien blood into does and breeding from them].

Summary

Sends seeds of Lathyrus and suggests an advantage of climbing plants is to shed their seeds in places secure from animals.

Contrary to F. Delpino, in JTM’s experience Ophrys aranifera is not sterile. However, seed germination is poor.

In a densely overgrown plot Convolvulus sabatius, not normally a twiner, becomes one.

Continues his extensive study on variability in Arbutus, and speculates on selection in fruit shape.

Summary

CD’s letter on his behalf made a great impression, but his candidacy nevertheless failed, largely owing to the hostility of Claude Bernard. CD’s opinion sustains his belief that his work will be a service to science.

Summary

Discusses dimorphic and trimorphic plants; mentions especially Rubiaceae and a dimorphic monocotyledon.

Notes observations on the monstrous male flowers of Begonia,

and on self-sterile plants.

Summary

Observations on expression and variation in Asian peoples: when colour of beard and hair differ, beard is always lighter. Differences in swimming strokes. Polydactylism.

Has just sent Hooker a paper on Sikkim tree-ferns [Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 30 (1875): 1–44, read 1870].

Has had fever since the end of the rains.

Summary

Praises FG’s book [Hereditary genius (1869)]. CD is converted by its argument. Previously CD believed men did not differ much in intellect, but only in zeal and hard work.

Summary

Greatly pleased by approbation from CD, whom he admires and whose Origin did much for him.

Summary

Thanks AD for his work. CD regrets he is not a better German scholar, but he must endeavour to understand AD’s views.

Summary

Has seen some natives who express surprise by clapping the hand to mouth.

Reports on a tribe that sells its ugliest slaves in order to maintain its uniformly fine appearance.

In America in 1867 Darwinism was a fait accompli. Asa Gray’s religious defence unnecessary after Theodore Parker and Emerson.

Summary

Asks CD to which journal she should send her Lychnis paper and whether she may quote extracts from his letters to her.

Summary

He has gone through the whole embryology of the Crustacea and has arrived at a pretty well-established genealogy of the whole class; has even tried to write a history of the whole tribe. Finds he cannot adopt the old separation of Orders in the Class; the limits between them are indistinct.

Would like to study embryology of Limulus. Asks CD’s help in obtaining a female specimen.

Outlines his proposal to establish a marine zoological station.

Summary

Would like CD’s opinion on his "theory of organic disturbance" and his "law of organic combination"; hopes CD might notice them in the Academy.

Writes of his unfortunate circumstances.