Summary

Kew affairs.

H. J. Carter’s observations are wonderful but want verification.

Skeptical of H. H. Travers’ observations.

Summary

Has made observations on pollination mechanism in Medicago sativa [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 9 (1867): 327–9], which his brother-in-law [J. D. Hooker] would accept. Wants to check that CD has not already made them.

Also sends interpretation of Salvia.

His observations come from following CD’s generalisation in Origin [p. 79] on necessity of out-crossing.

Summary

Thanks CD for the copy of Orchids and papers on Linum and Lythrum [Collected papers 2: 93–105; 106–31].

Intends to travel to the River Itajahy and will make observations on climbing plants. Is not sure whether Dalbergia is a winding plant.

CD has changed FM’s whole perception of nature.

CD has helped him to understand distribution of coastal flora.

The vegetation on Desterro is changing.

Louis Agassiz is seeking evidence against transmutation in the distribution of the fish in the Amazon.

Summary

Discusses "Climbing plants" and his own abstract of it.

CD should publish results of self-fertilising dimorphic plants.

Summary

Pleased CD confirms his observations on Salvia.

Spring action of Medicago stamens described.

Summary

Grateful for CD’s approval of Chapters on language.

Is inclined to believe that the races of man were primordially distinct.

Summary

Has heard from Huxley that CD has been ill.

Progress on his book [Generelle Morphologie (1866)] has been slow.

Has been named "ordentlicher Professor". Has 150 listeners in his lectures on CD’s theory.

Thanks CD for copy [of "Climbing plants"].

Sends his book [Beiträge zur Naturgeschichte der Hydromedusen, 1. Heft: Die Familie der Rüsselquallen (Geryonidae) (1865)] and two articles.

Calls attention to a new rhizopod from Nice.

Summary

Acknowledges CD’s paper on "Climbing plants".

Mentions Asa Gray’s complimentary notice in Silliman’s Journal [Am. J. Sci. and Arts 2d ser. 40 (1865): 273–82].

His difficulty in understanding how males of Daphnia or any other genus can produce eggs. If there is no impregnation, how can there be sexual organs? Why call one form male and another female?

He has sent CD his paper on "the new Potato Bug".

Will soon send "On Phytophagi Species & Unity of Coloration". [phytophagic!?]

Complaints about practices of the English Post Office.

His current research and description of the rationale of his experiments.

Summary

Sends facsimile reproduction of CD’s handwriting [Autographic Mirror 3 (1865) no. 262]. Requests a sample of Dr Erasmus Darwin’s hand and autograph for publication.

Summary

Returns 19 of the letters CD lent her, so that he can choose one for the Autographic Mirror.

Summary

John Brent [book?] has come, and he will send it.

Hopes CD will visit again.

Summary

Praises CD’s theory.

Comments on criticism of CD’s work by Duke of Argyll.

Beauty in nature as caused by sexual selection.

Summary

Thanks for the three Erasmus Darwin letters. Two have been returned to Eliza Meteyard. HK has kept the one about the French gentleman for publication [Autographic Mirror 4 (1866) no. 70].