Summary

Although he formed a high opinion of one of the correspondent’s papers, regrets that he could not presume to give an opinion of the merits of a candidate in chemistry.

Summary

CD sends thanks for the honour conferred by his election as an honorary member, though ill health may prevent his taking advantage of the privileges granted.

Summary

Has no objection to having his name appear as honorary member of [unidentified] club.

Summary

Asks about insects and seeds on leaves of Pinguicula.

Summary

Prefaces Fritz Müller’s observations on termites and stingless bees [see 9281].

Summary

Thanks correspondent for offer of [unidentified] rare book but does not accept it.

Summary

Comments on J. T. Moggridge’s article on the fertilisation of Fumaria capreolata [Nature 9 (1874): 423].

Summary

Thanks an unknown correspondent for the 4th edition of his 'remarkable work'.

Summary

CD has observed hundreds of primrose flowers cut off their stalks, and conjectures that this was done by birds to obtain the nectar. Asks readers of Nature in England and abroad whether primroses are subject to such destruction in their localities.

Summary

Thanks Nature correspondents for their observations on destruction of primroses [Nature 9 (1874): 509; 10 (1874): 6–7]. Reports an error in his observations: ovules, as well as nectar, are taken by the birds. As the habit of cutting off primrose flowers is widespread, CD concludes it is instinctive in bullfinches.

Summary

Wishes he had known of atropia and hopes he will have time to try it next summer.

Summary

Is obliged for addressee’s courteous note and is indifferent to how his name is used.

Summary

Invites correspondent to luncheon on Friday or Saturday.

Summary

Sends compliments and thanks.

Summary

Sends photograph.

Comments on Mme P’s bulldogs.

Summary

Cannot answer AN’s questions about Origin; it would take weeks to find the references. Assures AN he stated nothing without an authority he thought good.

Feels sure missel thrushes have increased in number since his youth. Starlings have also increased astonishingly in Kent. "How inexplicable most of these cases are".

In a P.S. remembers his source for statement about increase of missel thrushes in Origin.

Summary

Can give no definite information. Believes severe winters are by far the most important check on numbers of birds; the destruction of eggs is of subordinate importance.

Summary

Testifies to the trustworthiness of Charles Pearson.

Summary

Thanks AJWW for his frank and generous criticism. [See 9352.] Having viewed all natural objects under the light of natural selection for more than thirty years, CD thinks it unlikely that any arguments short of demonstration can convince him of error.

Summary

Would be glad to hear of a collected edition of his works [in Germany], but has no opinion on how it would sell. Has been surprised to learn that in England some think uniform collected works sell best. Tells JVC his publication plans and other details to guide him on extent of a "collected works".

Descent corrections have been laborious and troublesome.