Summary

Suggests experiments to test the response of radicles to light. Considers an alternative term for heliotropism.

Will be curious to have FD’s spiral theory about circumnutation explained to him.

Summary

Believes that the response of root tips to being "blinded" with foil is much more interesting than response to cauterisation.

Summary

Discusses the movements of radicles. His observations show that sensitivity to touch resides in the root tip and he believes that sensitivity to gravity governing geotropic responses is also in the root tip. Would much like to convert Julius von Sachs to his ideas on radicle movement.

Summary

FD’s experiment shows that caustic does not interfere with the bending of radicles. Believes that the apex is a kind of brain for certain movements, being specialised to receive certain irritations.

Summary

Stresses importance of ensuring that cauterisation of radicles does not, through injury, prevent movement. Plans an experiment to test for "apheliotropism" in certain radicles.

Summary

CD gives suggestions concerning FD’s experiments on the radicles of roots. Asks him to find out whether J. von Sachs tried beans. Should also try other gramineous plants.

Bernard looking forward to his father’s return.

Summary

Notes observations on sensitivity and movement of radicles.

Has finished chapter [of Movement in plants] on sleeping plants and is now looking over heliotropism notes.

Is perplexed by Erasmus Darwin; Erasmus [A. Darwin] likes it, but Henrietta thinks it much too long.

Summary

Tells arrangements for their journey to Coniston.

Summary

Are there old furrowed fields on hillsides in N. Wales, if so can FD look for earthworm activity?

Summary

Thanks FD for criticisms [of Movement in plants]. J. D. Hooker was interested in the observations of movement in Desmodium.

Summary

Discusses corrections [to Movement in plants]. Has dispatched chapter nine.

Summary

Dispatches a chapter [of Movement in plants] for FD to look over.

Summary

FD’s abstract ["Physiology of plants", Nature 23 (1880): 178–81] is excellent, and as clear as daylight.

Summary

The Duke of Argyll has written to Gladstone in support of a pension for A. R. Wallace.

Summary

Tells some of his observations on root cells. Has thought of three good experiments to oppose Julius von Wiesner.

Summary

Reports splendid cases of "paraheliotropism" which he now believes is one of the commonest movements of plants.

Summary

Copies of FD’s paper have arrived ["The theory of growth", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 18 (1881): 406–19]. Does he want them dispatched?

Summary

Some papers have arrived for FD.

Comments on the work of Phillipe van Tieghem who evidently knows nothing of insectivorous plants.

Leslie Stephen’s visit to Down went off well.

Summary

Thanks FD for his excellent corrections [to MS of Earthworms].

Summary

Is sending chapter [of Earthworms] for FD to look over.

Comments on FD’s work on movements of mould.

Is glad to hear about Julius von Sachs and the circumnutation theory.