Summary

Agrees that time alone can do nothing to modify species.

Is aware that the Papaveraceae are self-fertile but feels this does not preclude an occasional cross.

Summary

Sends photograph.

Summary

Comments on WM’s paper about ostrich feathers.

Summary

Wants seeds of Nesaea verticillata for crossing experiments to see whether seedlings from "illegitimate unions" are sterile like true hybrids.

Summary

Thanks for the seventh of CVR’s Annual reports on the noxious, beneficial and other insects in the state of Missouri (Riley 1869–77).

Summary

AD is aware of revolutionary character of his pamphlet [Ursprung der Wirbelthiere]. Authorities will not agree with him. Carl Gegenbaur and Ernst Haeckel are opposed. Younger biologists are disposed to accept his views. All he can expect is to put a stop to "the Amphioxus–Ascidian affair, and to open a road for speculation and for investigation on the side of the Annelid-homology".

Summary

Proofs arrived and Francis is correcting them. Tells Emma Darwin that Amy is delighted about the azaleas. The Ruck family very much like Isabella Bird’s Six months in the Sandwich Islands.

Summary

Will send corrected proofs [of Insectivorous plants].

Summary

August Weismann is interested in JJW’s experiments on birds and the caterpillars they eat.

Summary

CD is delighted to hear that JSBS’s exertions and labour will probably be rewarded by success. He has had a note from Playfair who, like Lubbock, thinks the title and preamble [of the proposed bill] "had better wear a more humanitarian aspect".

Summary

JM proposes to print 1000 copies [of Insectivorous plants].

Summary

Comments on AW’s work [Studien zur Descendenz-Theorie, vol. 1 (1875)].

On seasonal dimorphism in Lepidoptera in relation to sexual selection.

Discusses evolutionary reversion.

Comments on birds’ avoiding brightly coloured caterpillars. Offers references on subject.

Alpheus Hyatt says Franz Hilgendorf mistaken [about Planorbis multiformis].

Quotes from letter from J. J. Weir on birds’ rejection of brightly-coloured caterpillars.

Summary

Thanks JP for volume of his lectures [Clinical lectures and essays, ed. H. Marsh (1875)].

Mentions "vivisection question".

Summary

Encloses the bill with its corrected preamble. How many copies would he like?

Hopes JSBS can attend the meeting of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on 5 May 1875.

Summary

CD proposes setting price [of Insectivorous plants] on a printing of 1000 copies, but to have 250 additional copies printed – with CD paying for paper and press work. JM would not repay CD until 1000 are sold; and profits on the 250 to be divided as usual. CD proposes this because he does not think a second edition will ever be needed.

Summary

Arrangements to meet a Duke [unidentified] at High Elms [Lubbock residence].

Summary

JM agrees to raise number of first printing [of Insectivorous plants] to 1250 if CD will wait for his share of profits until sales reach 750 or 800.

Summary

EBT’s brother, Alfred Tylor, wishes to visit CD with George Young.

AT’s "pluvial period" theory.

Summary

Agrees not to receive his share of sales on Insectivorous plants until 750 or 800 copies are sold. 1250 to be printed.

Summary

Informs CD that Lyon Playfair would introduce the bill in the House of Commons, and that Lord Cardwell and Lord Shaftesbury had agreed to support it, the former introducing the bill in the House of Lords.