Summary

Thanks for answer to questions.

Has analogous questions on reptiles that he will send to AG. The subject interests him, but CD must try not to fall into his common error of "being too speculative".

Summary

Sends proofs of his fish paper.

Will observe modification of colour in fish.

Is studying the development of the axolotl.

Encloses notes in reply to CD’s queries on fishes.

Summary

Mr Ford is attending to CD’s drawings [for Descent].

Death of AG’s wife.

Summary

Comments on new edition of EH’s book [Natürliche Schöpfungsgeschichte, 2d ed. (1870)].

Mentions his own book [Descent].

Visit by Kölliker.

Summary

Sends some questions on secondary sexual differences of fishes [missing], which he hopes AG will look over.

Invites AG to come to Down.

Encloses queries on sexual differences and nest-building habits of fish.

Summary

Sends a list of queries for AG.

Asks whether AG can supply specimens for illustrations [for Descent]. Hopes Mr Ford will do the drawings.

Summary

Submits a 15–point argument against CD’s views on the coloration of female birds and insects.

Summary

On their differences concerning sexual selection and protection.

Summary

Thanks LA for information on sexual differences in the coloration of Amazonian fish. CD was anxious to know how the sexes differed because they are unusual in that the male has the largest share in looking after ova and young.

Summary

Answers CD’s queries on sexual characters and differences among the Urodela.

Is interested in the relationship of pectoral and pelvic limbs in man and apes and has looked at reptiles and amphibians to find traces of the earlier conditions of the limbs.

Asks whether CD knows any instances of deformities or pathological conditions occurring simultaneously in both sets of limbs.

Summary

Is glad to hear that CD is pleased with AN’s notice of his work on pigeons.

He will not soon forget the pleasure of his visit to Down.

Summary

He has examined Hoya flowers with Bentham and Oliver, but they are not satisfied about the five processes alternating with the sepals. [See Forms of flowers, pp. 331–2.] Sends specimens of plants.

Babington’s surprise at JDH’s advocacy of Darwinian views at Norwich [BAAS meeting].

Criticism of the behaviour of the trustees of the British Museum [in the Challenger affair].