Summary

Thanks CD for criticisms of his paper; explains why there is greater diversity among succeeding generations than in the first.

Summary

Will do what he can for Lord Sackville Cecil, but he, himself, cannot get to séances when he likes. Introduction of a stranger always disturbs séances. Person most likely to help would be Lord Lindsey.

Summary

May FG have lunch with CD Thursday [1 Aug] and arrange about rabbits?

Summary

George Snow, the carrier, now leaves Nag’s Head on Thursday mornings.

Summary

Alteration in the arrangements for the carrier to collect the rabbit from FG and bring it to Down.

Summary

The carrier will call at University College on Thursday 15 August.

Summary

The buck is well; Dr Carter has returned, and things will go better.

Summary

Sends thanks for Expression; offers some additions, and will send printed queries abroad if CD wishes.

Summary

Rabbits’ coats true in character. If the next ones are true, it is superfluous to keep trying.

Does not know why crying children rub eyes with knuckles.

Mentions FG’s article on prayer ["Statistical inquiries into the efficacy of prayer", Fortn. Rev. n.s. 12 (1872): 125–35].

Summary

Agrees the rabbit experiment has gone on long enough, but would like one more litter.

Summary

F. M. Balfour wants to experiment on Pangenesis. Asks FG to recommend coloured rabbits that breed true.

Summary

Comments on FG’s article ["Hereditary improvement", Fraser’s Mag. 87 (1873): 116–30]. Finds it "the sole feasible, yet I fear utopian, plan of procedure in improving the human race".

Thanks for rabbits for Balfour.

Mentions reading W. R. Greg’s Enigmas [of life (1872)].

Summary

Collecting information about antecedents of eminent men of science. Sends questionnaire.

Summary

Comments about questionnaire CD completed for FG [for Galton’s English men of science (1874)].

Describes his early interest in collecting and his education.

Asks about determining the mean heights of two groups of men.

Summary

Thanks CD for completed questionnaire;

answers his query about determining mean heights of men.

Summary

Reports an incident of his "hereditary" habit of dozing, head in hand, such that he scratches his nose.

Summary

Is sending some seeds of sweetpeas, which George [Darwin] said CD would plant for him.