Summary

The debt of plant geography to voyages may be JDH’s topic at BAAS meeting [at Swansea].

Photographs from New Zealand forwarded.

Summary

Worm observations.

Summary

Discusses possible investments.

Summary

Reports his observations on numbers of Rhododendron leaves found buried [by earthworms].

Summary

Describes variability in the stamens and pollen of Lagerstroemia, which CD spoke of in Forms of flowers.

Also reports on similar phenomena in Pontederiacea (Heteranthera reniformis).

Has received from Paul Mayer an interesting paper on metamorphosis in Palaemonetes varians, which is also being studied by J. E. V. Boas in Denmark. Shows differences between larval development in Danish forms and those found in southern Italy.

Summary

Sends birthday wishes.

Comments on Movement in plants.

Sends System der Ascrapeden [1880].

Describes work on Challenger Medusae.

Comments on success of CD’s theory.

Summary

Contemptuous of Samuel Butler.

Has read that Huxley will be Inspector of Fisheries.

When CD visits in spring, he will acquaint him with legalities of Worthing house.

Summary

Birthday greetings.

Thinks it best not to reply further to Butler. Has read G. J. Romanes’ article with great pleasure. Romanes is right to ridicule Butler. Quotes passages about Butler from CD letters. Has received letter from F. M. Balfour urging him not to reply to Butler.

Summary

Interested in theory of flight machines. Thinks it may be possible to fly by hitching man to large birds. What does CD think?

Recalls gift of book sent to CD.

Summary

Forwards the preface to his book [see 12999] and comments on the effect of the Bible on science.

Summary

Brokers have purchased Leeds Corporation Stock.

Summary

Discusses the possible rebuilding of a pair of cottages on CD’s farm at Beesby, Lincolnshire.

Summary

Belated birthday greetings

and reminiscences of CD’s help to the Station, which continues to prosper. A recent innovation is the establishment of the Zoologische Jahresbericht edited by J. V. Carus.

Summary

Thanks for compliments on Evolutionist at large.

Reports on his improving health.

Summary

The laboratory has scarcely any experimental evidence on acidity of humus soil and earthworm excreta. Refers CD to some sources of information.

Summary

In his last letter FM told CD about four flowers of Lagerstroemia that he had fertilised with the yellow pollen of another variety or species and which had subsequently fallen off. He has now repeated the experiment using the yellow pollen of a different variety and successfully produced good fruit as large as that fertilised with green pollen.