Summary

Summarises, with comments, two letters from Johann von Fischer [10598, 10600] on the display by monkeys of their brightly-coloured hindquarters, and the relation of this behaviour to sexual selection.

Summary

Has written of his idea [on the formation of the gravels near Southampton] to James Geikie, who thought it very feasible.

Summary

Offers to contribute £10 towards ERL’s expenses in prosecuting Henry Slade, the spiritualistic imposter.

Summary

Sends some sheets [of Cross and self-fertilisation].

Summary

Thanks for Japanese book and for HNM’s papers on observations made during Challenger voyage.

Would be pleased if HNM visited him.

Summary

Responds to request that his son [Francis] aid EBT with book. Comments on EBT’s excellence as anthropologist.

Summary

Thanks for present of Studien [zur Descendenz-Theorie, vol. 2 (1876)].

Summary

Is satisfied with sales of his books.

Did not expect Orchids to sell more than 600 or 700 copies.

Only bad item is Expression, which astonishes him, since it sells well in Germany.

Asks size of printing of Cross and self-fertilisation; thinks 1500 would be ample.

Summary

On JG’s Great ice age.

Discusses formation of drift deposits near Southampton.

Comments on Axel Blytt [Immigration of Norwegian flora (1876)].

Has had fearful misgivings that the step-like plains of Patagonia may have been caused by changes in level of sea, not land.

Comments on book [Archibald Geikie, Life of Sir Roderick I. Murchison (1875)].

Summary

Writes about the purchase of a horse.

Summary

Expresses his pleasure in reading Die Schutzmittel der Blüthen gegen unberufene Gäste (Kerner 1876)..

Realises he has made some errors in Cross and self fertilisation.

Summary

Agrees with much of CV’s proposed protest but cannot sign it. Feels it is likely to do more harm than good.

Summary

Mr Laslett’s estimate is too high. Mr Deards is quicker and better. Discusses building details for house improvement.

Summary

Thanks for Japanese books, and papers by HNM.

Comments on Peripatus.

Not disappointed at what William Thomson says about evolution.

Summary

Tells JVC what changes have been made in the new edition of his geological book [Volcanic islands and South America].

Does not know why he doubted about the Atlantic dust paper – now thinks it worth translating.

Glad JVC has not found Cross and self-fertilisation as intolerably dull as CD feared. Answers his queries about Cross and self-fertilisation.

Summary

Thanks for a correction. Hopes AG now has all the sheets of Cross and self-fertilisation.

Summary

Promises to propose JJW for membership in Zoological Society.

Sympathises with JJW’s enthusiasm about the Danais and hopes it may become naturalised in this country.

Summary

Is working at dimorphic plants;

is astonished at WED’s labour.