Summary

Again thanks CD for trouble in arranging for translation of Für Darwin.

Sends addition answering critics of his idea of insect metamorphosis [see Möller ed. 1915–21, 1: 259].

Agrees with Charles Lyell’s suggested English title "Facts and arguments in favor of Darwin", although perhaps more accurate to call it "Darwinism tested by Carcinology" or "Carcinology as bearing on the origin of species".

Says any profit should go to CD for his trouble and expense with the translation.

Thanks for seeds of Eschscholtzia.

Gives observations on number of climbing plants, including Dilleniacea, Marantacea, Catasetum.

Summary

Sexual preference in insects;

structures for seizing females;

coloration.

Doubts whether CD can make much of a case from insects in support of sexual selection.

Summary

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

Summary

Proportion of sexes in insects, captured and bred. [see Descent 1: 313.]

Summary

On blind beetles [see Descent 1: 367].

Development of mandibles in Brentus.

Summary

Coloration of blind beetles.

Sizes of sexes in Taphroderes.

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

Note identifying insects and remarking on stridulation.

Summary

Replies to CD on proportion of sexes in butterflies, coloration of moths, and courtship. Encloses copies of letters on these subjects between HTS, Henry Doubleday, and John Hellins.

Summary

Asks about proportions of male to female insects.

Summary

On numerical proportions of sexes in insects; coloration. Dimorphism in dragonflies (Agrion) in which usual coloration is reversed in sexes [see Descent 1: 362–4].

Wallace seems to ride his hobby too hard.

Summary

Has put question of proportion of sexes in insects to the Entomological Society. Quotes H. T. Stainton and F. Smith. Cites some cases mentioned by other members.

Is reading Variation; does not quite understand Pangenesis.

Summary

Thinks GHL’s articles are quite excellent; hopes they will be republished.

Discusses adaptation. Doubts whether similar conditions without selection can produce similar organs independent of blood relationship: "resemblances due to descent and adaptation can commonly be distinguished".

Discusses luminous insects, electrical organs of fish, thorns and spines.

Summary

Reports that when August Meyer confined several distinct species of Phryganeidae they coupled and produced fertile ova, indicating that some specific characters are not so important so far as reproduction is concerned [see Descent 1: 342 n. 2].

Summary

Is glad FM approves of a translation of Für Darwin.

Hopes FM will think well of Pangenesis.

Sexual differences in insect auditory and stridulating organs.

Read FM’s paper on Balanus with great interest ["On Balanus armatus", Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 4th ser. 1 (1868): 393–412].

Summary

HWB thinks he can buy specimens of male and female insects at Mr Janson’s.

Summary

Describes work with pollinia of another Orchis species.

Summary

CD in utter confusion about differences between J. O. Westwood and HWB on division of certain insects. Asks if HWB will homologise certain families for him, telling him which terms would be most generally understood.

Asks also about differences on sound-producing organs of Achetidae Gryllidae.

Summary

Requests entomological data on sexual selection, especially proportions of sexes.

Sends Queries about expression with note: "a great hobby of mine".

Summary

Thinks CD’s views of insect agency and crossing might explain structure and variations of papilionaceous flowers. Lists five points. Asks CD’s opinion.