Summary

Comments on article ["Perception and instinct in lower animals", Nature 7 (1871): 377–8].

Explains his contention that "many of the most wonderful instincts have been acquired, independently of habit, through the preservation of useful variations of pre-existing instincts". Cites examples: sterile workers of several species of social insects have acquired different instincts; movements of tumbler pigeons. Speculates that "many instincts have originated from modification or variations in the brain".

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"The following fact with respect to the habits of ants, which I believe to be quite new, has been sent to me by a distinguished geologist, Mr J. D. Hague [see 8788]; and it appears well worth publishing."

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"I was born in the town of Shrewsbury Feb. 12, 1809."

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Explains that his publisher has erred in announcing his book [Cross and self-fertilisation] prematurely. [See 8890 and 8897.]

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Writes as Treasurer of the Down Friendly Society; discusses financial matters related to the Society.

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Comments on ability of recipient to move his scalp.

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Sends a letter from J. D. Hague confirming his earlier observation [see 8788] of frightened behaviour of ants when they come upon dead ants. CD had asked for confirmation because J. T. Moggridge had suggested that the ants’ behaviour was alarm at the scent of the observer’s fingers.

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Printed memorandum giving reasons why there should be subsidy on a large scale of scientific research unencumbered with teaching.

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CD, in commenting on Wyville Thomson’s "Notes from the Challenger" [Nature 8 (1873): 347–9], recapitulates his work on rudimentary male cirripedes [Living Cirripedia], especially the complementary males attached to hermaphrodites. Offers an explanation, on evolutionary grounds, of their function and size.

Summary

Will not require assistance of correspondent’s cousin in correcting his MS [2d ed. of Descent]. His son [George] will undertake it.

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Although he formed a high opinion of one of the correspondent’s papers, regrets that he could not presume to give an opinion of the merits of a candidate in chemistry.

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CD sends thanks for the honour conferred by his election as an honorary member, though ill health may prevent his taking advantage of the privileges granted.

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Has no objection to having his name appear as honorary member of [unidentified] club.

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Asks about insects and seeds on leaves of Pinguicula.

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Prefaces Fritz Müller’s observations on termites and stingless bees [see 9281].

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Seeks permission for his son to look for a paper for him.

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Thanks correspondent for offer of [unidentified] rare book but does not accept it.

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Comments on J. T. Moggridge’s article on the fertilisation of Fumaria capreolata [Nature 9 (1874): 423].

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Thanks an unknown correspondent for the 4th edition of his 'remarkable work'.

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CD has observed hundreds of primrose flowers cut off their stalks, and conjectures that this was done by birds to obtain the nectar. Asks readers of Nature in England and abroad whether primroses are subject to such destruction in their localities.