Summary

Questions the exact location of rooms and trenches at Abinger excavation [for Earthworms].

Summary

Sends the marked plans of the Abinger Hall excavation site.

Summary

Thanks THF for notes on Abinger excavation. Asks for more castings.

Summary

Replies to CD’s questions about worms at Abinger ruins.

Summary

THF’s copybook has cleared up all points. The castings are invaluable. Encloses further queries [missing].

Summary

Is worried about brick particles in worm-castings. Asks THF for castings from a site where possible error would be avoided.

Summary

Notes and replies to queries on worm-castings and worm activity on a rubble-covered road.

Summary

Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.

Summary

Statement of money transactions with James Torbitt and record of year’s success enclosed. Torbitt desires him to return £90. He is doubtful of being able to continue this spring.

Summary

Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger.

Summary

On William Graham’s book [The creed of science (1881)].

Darwinism, chance, and the existence of evil.

Summary

More on W. Graham’s book, The creed of science. Chance and design. Happiness.

E. A. Darwin’s death [26 Aug 1881].

Summary

Has received Earthworms.

Summary

Requests that THF forward an enclosure if he thinks it proper. James Torbitt’s blunder in using the pollen of a diseased variety accounts for the bad varieties raised last year.

Summary

Potatoes [from Torbitt experiment] sent him for eating were very poor. Those for seed produced abundantly, but have not resisted disease better than other kinds that Payne [his gardener] has grown.

Summary

Raises a question about a statement in Orchids; his observations differ.

Summary

Is confirmed about the bending of the fly orchid pollinia. [See "Fertilisation of orchids", Collected papers 2: 141.]

Summary

Thanks THF for correcting the error in Orchids.

Asks him to find out what insects visit the fly orchid and for what purpose.

Summary

Describes work with pollinia of another Orchis species.

Summary

"I have seen the action on Ophrys exactly as you describe and am thoroughly ashamed of my inaccuracy."