Summary

Gives examples of animal species in which adult males castrate or kill younger males.

Summary

Instances of sexual differences in viviparous fishes, suggested by reading chapters on sexual selection [in Descent] and by Mivart’s Genesis of species.

Notes on echinoderms.

Summary

Believes his letter of 17 Apr bears also on vol. 1 of Descent.

Ability to move ears is common in his family.

Similarity of foot of man to that of gorilla continues beyond foetal stage.

Invites CD to stay overnight if visiting the area.

Summary

At Wallace’s suggestion he offers CD his observations on the seed-gathering habits of ants. Suggests their role in seed dispersal.

At work on the last part of his book [Contributions to the flora of Mentone (1867–71)].

Has found that Ophrys insectifera can reproduce asexually.

Summary

Discusses his position at Cambridge, which is apparently under threat.

Summary

Instance of a dog able to discriminate a note played out of tune. [See Descent, 2d ed., p. 569.]

Summary

Facts contradicting Wallace’s views on coloration of Lepidoptera.

Summary

Observations on habits of caribou and deer in Newfoundland.

Suggests nightingale egg coloration evolved from white to olive for protection.

Summary

Sends answers to CD’s queries on expression.

Summary

On Down parish matters.

Summary

Follows up CD’s observation of 13 May 1871, of a New Forest pony shedding its winter coat.

Summary

Various observations from his experience in Africa relevant to Descent.

Fertility of hybrids of blacks and whites.

Protective coloration of Sahara animals.

Natives’ ideas of female beauty.

Summary

Discusses the origin and advantages of sexual differentiation in terms of division of labour.

Discusses the origin of the giraffe’s neck and the unsoundness of St G. J. Mivart’s view with respect to it.

Points out an error in Descent.

Summary

Argues that coloration of eggs is a protective adaptation.

Summary

Will call tomorrow.

Summary

Michele Lessona will translate Descent into Italian [1871].

Sends his review from Nuova Antologia [17 (1871): 177–94].

In a letter to Archivio per l’Anthropologia he raises some doubts about sexual selection and proposes "Neogenesis" as a complement to natural selection in cases of rapid change.

Summary

A geologist friend leaving for Nevada offers to investigate any questions CD may have for this region.

Nesting plumage of common chaffinch resembles adult winter plumage of female brambling.

Summary

As a professor of natural history, LD has spread CD’s doctrines in Hungary. Now wishes permission to translate Descent.

Summary

Reports the passing of [Universities Tests] Bill and the consequent end to a bother.

Summary

Discussion of mimicry and sexual selection among butterflies, occasioned by reading Descent.