Summary

Thanks for German version of Origin [1867].

Dipterous insects are adapted to eating pollen rather than only to sucking nectar. He describes such adaptations in two dipteran species.

Summary

Protective role of colours in caterpillars and butterflies. Sexual differences in colours of butterflies.

Summary

Gives his comments on the merits of a paper on South African botany [by J. P. M. Weale, "Notes on Bonatea", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 10 (1869): 470–6].

Summary

Sends fourth volume of A. E. Brehm’s Thierleben. First three sent at V. O. Kovalevsky’s request. Asks CD’s support for an English edition, since this is the first extensive popular work based on CD’s theory.

Summary

Sends J. P. M. Weale’s paper on Bonatea for consideration by Linnean Society [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 10 (1869): 470–6].

Summary

Asks FD to check whether a Latin sentence is correct.

Summary

Seeks CD’s opinion and references on the causes of terraces in the south of England. He supports sea action as cause, either by currents or on coasts, and has been engaged in a controversy in the Geological Magazine [4 (1867): 571–5] with the subaerial school. Poulett Scrope thinks they are agricultural.

Summary

Has had no less than seven grasses germinate from locust dung sent by JPMW.

JPMW’s paper on Bonatea is being printed by Linnean Society. [See J. P. M. Weale, "Structure and fertilisation of the genus Bonatea", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 10 (1869): 470–6.]

Refers to Lyell’s new edition of Principles [10th ed., 2 vols. (1867–8)].

Summary

Proposes writing a note for Linnean Society ["Note on the structure of Genista tinctoria", J. Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 10 (1869): 468], in part using information CD gave him at Down.

Summary

Asks her to observe whether her dog exposes his teeth when barking and to think of any facts about expression in her birds.

Summary

Has finished last revise of his book [Variation].

Is curious to know what JDH thinks of Pangenesis. It is fearfully imperfect, yet satisfying, for it connects large groups of facts by an intelligible thread.

Thomas Woolner is coming [to do a bust of CD].

Summary

CD’s sudden temporary failure of memory and his eczema are not serious and would be relieved by rest and good diet.

Summary

He is sending two copies of vol. 1 of German edition of Variation. Thanks CD for rights to translate future works. Carus has begun translation of second volume. Asks when English edition will appear.

Summary

Thanks CD for new edition of Origin [4th ed. (1866)].

Comments on CD’s criticism of the harsh tone of Generelle Morphologie. Thinks he may have harmed himself but not the cause. Believes a radical reform of the science necessary, and since most scientists take a prejudiced view of the matter, a vigorous attack is essential.

Describes his travels in Canaries, Spain, and France.

Summary

Observations on orchid self-sterility.

Wants information on characters that may have originated through sexual selection in lower animals.

Encloses queries on expression.

Summary

Thanks AD for his paper on "Morphology of the Arthropoda" [Rep. BAAS 37 (1867) pt 2: 82], a deeply interesting subject.

Suggests he examine specimens of Scalpellum.

Fritz Müller thinks CD is mistaken, but CD cannot persuade himself he was wrong in his observations on Balanidae [Living Cirripedia 2: 105].

Summary

Thanks CD for information on inclined terraces in S. America, which DM thinks applies to the chalk downs of S. England. CD’s definition that the sea widens and fresh water deepens is key to the subject.

Summary

Pleased that CD approves his idea about caterpillars.

Thinks CD is right about selection in butterflies, but still believes protective adaptation has kept down colours of females.

Cannot yet see action of natural selection in forming the races of man.

Summary

Thanks PR for his memoir on Epipogium ["Über den Blüthenbau von Epipogium" (1866)]. The structure and manner of fertilisation are new to CD;

he has long suspected that the classification of orchids requires considerable modification.

Summary

JvH will help with expression queries. Considers CD’s investigation highly important and original. Sends list of men to whom he is sending copies of the questions.