Summary

The extract from Ticknor [see 10722] is one of the most curious cases of inheritance CD has met with. He has sent it to Francis Galton as CD is not likely to write on inheritance again.

Summary

Thanks JvH for admirably illustrated Geology of New Zealand. Will be particularly glad to read about the old glaciers.

Admires extent of cultivation of science in New Zealand.

Summary

Thanks JvH for his address [to the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury], his Geological Report [Topographical and geological exploration of the western districts of the Nelson province, New Zealand (1861)],

and for the "honourable" notice of Origin.

CD especially interested in JvH’s facts on the old glacial period.

Asks about fossil remains [of supposed living mammalia] which CD thinks may be like "the Solenhofen bird-creature" [Archaeopteryx].

Urges the recording of rate and manner of spreading of European weeds and plants and observation on which native plants "most fail".

Summary

Acknowledges receipt of JvH’s letters and report of his expedition. Congratulates him on its success.

Has sent Origin.

There is hardly a place in the world as interesting as New Zealand with respect to geographical distribution.

Will quote the case of the ducks that nest in trees.

Is working hard on Variation.

Summary

Has been ill since April, so has not read all of JvH’s papers.

Encloses his photograph.

Has written to support JvH for Royal Society.

Samuel Butler [returned from New Zealand] is now established in London as an artist.

Summary

Regrets that JvH is not on list of candidates for Royal Society. This year the Council of Royal Society is extraordinarily deficient in natural historians and geologists. Thinks JvH is sure to be elected another year.

Summary

Asks JvH’s assistance in making observations on the expression of emotions. Encloses 17 queries that are being sent to various parts of the world.

Summary

Thanks JvH for J. Stack’s answers [to queries about expression]. Though few, they are the best and clearest he has received. Sends a corrected printed version of queries.

Belatedly thanks JvH for his splendid report on glaciers [missing].

CD lives "in constant state of overwork and fatigue".

Everyone astonished by Dinornis photos.