Summary

Sends set of illustrations for Expression marked to show those that could be improved for a future edition.

Summary

Describes self- and cross-fertilisation experiments.

Asks JHG’s advice on setting up an experiment designed to test whether the cause of variation in cultivated plants lies in different substances absorbed from the soil when absorption is not interfered with by other plants in a state of nature. Can JHG suggest how he can get soil free of all the substances which plants naturally absorb?

Summary

Has received seeds of Cecropia peltata from Kew.

Has asked Hermann Müller to send copy of FM’s paper as soon as published.

Summary

Encloses statement of sales of Origin, Expression, Descent, and Insectivorous plants to 1 Feb 1876.

Has charged against CD’s account half the cost of old plates from Judd for Variation. When will plates for new edition be sent?

Insectivorous plants not selling well because of general depression in business.

Summary

Asks that the copy of Nature containing letter from Fritz Müller be forwarded to FM [see 10324].

Summary

RLT to review 2d ed. of Variation and write an article on Pangenesis.

Discussion of "Survival of the Fittest".

Summary

Herbert Spencer invented the term "survival of the fittest". CD used it but found "natural selection" more convenient.

He has often spoken of natural selection’s destruction of individuals which do not come up to "proper standards of structure", which comes to nearly the same thing as RLT’s suggested distinction.

Summary

Is putting together a natural history book for intelligent children [The puzzle of life (1877)]; would like CD’s opinion on the project in general and on the completed first chapter in particular.

Summary

Supports AN’s idea [of a natural history book for children].

Summary

Sends forms to be signed so that the trustees of the Down Friendly Society may be properly registered.

Summary

Writes as a trustee of the Down Friendly Society regarding difficulties over the recording of the names of the trustees.

Summary

Asks for identification of a Cineraria which is self-sterile.

Fritz Müller’s letter on Cecropia [see 10384].

Summary

Thanks for plants supplied from Kew.

On structure and function of leaf glands of certain plants.

Summary

Murray wishes to settle payments for Descent [2d ed., 11th thousand]. Over 500 copies of the 1000 printed have been sold.

Summary

Sends cheque for Descent [2d ed., 1875 issue].

Has sent corrections to printer for Climbing plants

and Origin. Has ordered to print: 1250 copies of Origin,

500 of Climbing plants,

and 1000 of Naturalist’s voyage [Journal of researches].