Summary

Thanks CD for offer of assistance in exploration of Eskdale beds. Describes finds of scorpions and unusual amphibians.

Summary

Forwards a letter from W. F. P. Pfeffer, who opposes some of Julius Wiesner’s notions on plant movements.

Summary

Thanks for two letters from Pfeffer. Will return translation of Pfeffer and send a letter from Elfring. Looking forward to working on "antiWiesner" experiments. Will return on 26th or 27th.

Summary

Has read Earthworms.

Wonders if CD has studied gnats; inquires about their apparently useless hovering over one spot for hours.

Summary

More observations of the radicles of germinating seeds of Euphorbia peplus for appearance of milk-tubes.

Comments on J. v. Wiesner’s and W. F. P. Pfeffer’s views and criticism of his experiments.

Summary

Would be grateful for some Euphorbia species for examination of the roots. "The subject is by no means worth all the labour I am bestowing on it, but I cannot bear to be beaten."

Summary

Elaborates on the theories propounded in his recently published work [Earthworms], describing the reproductive system of worms and the absorption of organic matter in the soil. [See 13483.]

Summary

Sends an agreement for his signature and forwarding to Patterson & Bloxham.

Hears that James Challis [Plumian Professor of Astronomy, Cambridge] is on the point of death. Believes he has a good chance to succeed him; sends a list of the electors.

Summary

Tremendously interested by GHD’s news [about the Plumian Professorship at Cambridge]. Suggests he get William Thomson to write to the electors.

Summary

Wishes to contribute to subscription to pay legal expenses of David Ferrier [in vivisection prosecution].

Comments on physiological papers.

Summary

AD asks CD’s advice on possible causes of a decline in the Belgian hop crop.

Summary

Cannot read signature on letter sent via JDH from Lima.

Summary

Magnificent supply of Euphorbiae arrived safely.

Summary

Writes of Challis’ health

and of other matters of family interest.

Summary

Is planning a revised edition of his Cruise in Tierra del Fuego [1857], and finds his opinions on the natives the reverse of CD’s.

Hopes he may call some time.

Summary

Thanks CD for his offer of assistance to David Ferrier.

Discusses CD’s earthworm book.

Tonsils in man as rudimentary organs.

Summary

Reports extract of spurge [Euphorbia] killing earthworms.

Summary

Financial matters; executing EAD’s will; pleased to hear news about Prof. Challis.

Summary

Thanks for Earthworms.

Glad CD liked the Dischidia drawing. GK wishes he could see it in the wild to study its habits and those of the insects that visit it.

Summary

Asks for a testimonial for the Chair of Natural History at Edinburgh.