Summary

Asks DO to identify a plant grown from earth adhering to the foot of a woodcock.

Summary

CD now acknowledges that the sometimes very great sexual, i.e., ornamental, differences in fishes offer a difficulty to the view that females are not brightly coloured on account of the danger to propagation of the species.

Summary

Encloses observations on Malays who have not had communication with Europeans [in answer to CD’s queries about expression].

Summary

Comments on a discussion of humming-birds by the Duke of Argyll [in The reign of law (1867)].

Encloses article by Henry Parker on the Duke’s book [Saturday Rev. 23 (1867): 82–4].

Summary

Discusses dimorphism in plants, especially the Rubiaceae.

Gives observations on orchids; notes varying degrees of self-sterility and a varying success at crossing distinct species.

Mentions local ferns he is collecting

and considers the phenomenon of apparently mimetic plants.

Summary

Has received the first four sheets of Variation. Reinwald has received the stereotypes and is ready for printing.

Summary

Has asked a classics scholar about a word for Pangenesis. He suggests "atomogenesis".

Is getting in rather a fright about the coming exams.

Summary

Sends a sheet of proofs. Will hold four others until he hears from VOK, because of expensive postage. Thinks illustrating Russian translation [of Variation] with woodcuts from A. E. Brehm’s work [Illustrirtes Thierleben, 4 vols. (1864–7)] is an excellent idea.

Summary

Returns Hooker’s paper [unidentified].

Summary

Criticises the Duke of Argyll’s book [Reign of law (1867)], particularly on sexual selection.

But CD overlooks God’s intention to instruct man by nature’s beauty.

Criticism of anonymous article in North British Review [by Fleeming Jenkin, 46 (1867): 277–318].

CK supports large sports in response to large environmental changes.

Summary

Discusses hybridisation in cowslip and primrose.

Mentions proposed visit.

Summary

Discusses the Duke of Argyll’s book [Reign of law (1867)].

Cites his own views on diversity of structure and beauty.

Encloses letter from Wallace. Sexual selection: evidence advanced by Wallace.

Discusses correlation of growth.

Comments on article in the North British Review [by Fleeming Jenkin].

Discusses the evidence from physics on the age of the earth.

[Four pages of the final letter are missing, but the draft is complete.]

Summary

Asks THH to think about a better name for "Pangenesis"; suggests "Cytarrogenesis" or "Atomogenesis", but still prefers vaguer "Pangenesis".

Summary

CD probably advised omitting mention of experiments suggesting that oxlips, cowslips, and primroses could be produced from the seed of a single plant

Summary

Leaves for London tomorrow. Hopes to see JDH there or perhaps at Kew, but doubts the latter. He is not strong and has a good deal to do.

Summary

Has been reading [H. C. Fleeming Jenkin’s] review in North British Review. Would answer it if not so lazy.

Has read Mount Sorel [A. Marsh-Caldwell (1845)] and Disraeli’s life of Lord G. Bentinck [1852]. Bad science, bad literature, bad politics.

Summary

Offers to send parts of J. Syme, English botany [1863–86] in appreciation of CD’s aid.

Comments on CD’s species theory.

Will exhibit Cambrian fossil at next meeting of Geological Society.

Summary

CD is relieved that JWS’s circumstances have improved. He is pleased to accept Supplement to English Botany. He will try to attend Geological Society meeting.

Summary

Relates some observations for CD on the crying of her infant daughter.

Summary

Disappointed at not seeing JDH in London.