Summary

Thanks HS for the preface to the 3d edition [of Die Thierzucht (1872)].

Has purchased H. von Nathusius’ work [? Vorträge über Viehzucht und Rassenkenntniss, Th. 1 (1872)]; feels he has ignored all that CD has attempted to make out with respect to domesticated animals.

Summary

Much perplexed by W. Crookes’s article. He can neither disbelieve nor believe. Article has removed some of his difficulty in that the supposed power is not an anomaly. Hopes men such as G. G. Stokes will be induced to witness Crookes’s experiments.

Summary

Comments on Die Kalkschwämme [1872].

A Franciscan prior, Padre Buona-Grazia, agrees with human descent.

His trip to Dalmatia.

German reception of Descent.

Mentions current work.

Summary

Prefers W. C. Wells’s explanation of the formation of the Nehro type to CD’s sexual selection.

Outlines his view of the origin of man by natural selection.

Summary

CD offers to mark corrected passages in sheets of 6th edition of Origin.

Discusses question of hybrids between goats and sheep, on which H. von Nathusius has cast doubt in his recent Viehzucht [1872]. CD gives several references for a contrary view.

Asks JVC to inquire about HvN’s assertion that castrated rams have no horns.

Summary

Has discussed the tenancy at Claythorpe with his father, and he will be happy for JH’s son to take over the farm.

Summary

Discusses exchange of books.

Summary

Surprised at Mivart’s harsh review [Q. Rev. 131 (1871): 47–90], considering courteous tone of his book. Assures CD he has not been converted by Mivart.

Summary

Praise for gentle but resolute tone of Descent.

Summary

Suggests CD have Origin [6th ed.] stereotyped.

Will sell out remaining copies of Descent at forthcoming trade sale, print off 500 or 1000 more, and then have the type distributed.

14 copies of C. Wright’s pamphlet have been sold.

Summary

Thanks CD for copies of the Origin and Cirripedia;

sends his latest publication in return [Beiträge zur Parthenogenesis der Arthropoden (1871)]. Discusses his work on parthenogenesis which, he believes, is a case of atavism.

Summary

Refers to priest who believes in "our ape-like progenitors".

EH’s work on sponges.

Pangenesis.

Describes new edition of Origin [6th]

and his work on plant crossing.

Summary

Thanks her for marked proof-sheets.

Discusses climate in earlier geological periods.

Summary

Is disappointed at high price, 7s 6d, being considered for the cheap edition of the Origin [6th ed.]. Has been told that, in Lancashire, workmen club together to buy the Origin.

Little chance that Expression will be done this autumn.

Summary

Believes CD will not consider him a good Darwinian since he accepts natural selection only as a secondary law.

Summary

Fears a pirated edition of Descent; hopes JJM’s translation will come out soon.

Preparing new [6th] edition of Origin. Can publication of French edition be delayed in order to incorporate corrections?

Summary

Is obliged for valuable letter [see 8123] and encloses queries about the manner of gradual obliteration of ridges or furrows in old pasture lands in various parts of England.

Gives details of his experiment to test his observations of the downward flow of worm-casts.

Refers to [Lyon] Playfair, [A. C.] Ramsay, and AG’s edition of [J. B.] Jukes, [A student’s manual of geology, 3d ed., 1872].

Summary

A. J. Gaudry is one of few supporters of Darwinism in Paris.

The climate is so hostile that Kovalevsky must mitigate his views so as not to irritate the French.

Working on Anchitherium, which he believes is intermediate between Palaeotherium and the horse.

His brother-in-law has been arrested.

Summary

Gives CD some information on wills.

Summary

Lady Lyell’s anxiety over Lyell’s health.

Preparing new edition of Origin.

Asks whether anything was observed [in Morocco] on expressions.

Did JDH notice whether pollen-masses in Ophrys apifera in N. Africa fall on the stigma, as in England?