Summary

Thanks CD for his kind reply. JG does not feel he can rely on instinct or "intuition" in relation to existence of God. Is there no analogy between natural organisations and mechanical constructions to justify an intelligent first cause?

Summary

The strongest argument for the existence of God is the intuitive feeling that there must have been an intelligent beginner of the universe; "but then comes the doubt and difficulty whether such intuitions are trustworthy". CD is forced to leave the problem insoluble. "No man who does his duty has anything to fear, and may hope for whatever he earnestly desires."

Summary

Sales of [potato] varieties have reduced amount of money needed [for experiments].

Summary

Success of James Torbitt’s potato experiments so far does not warrant an application for Government aid.

Summary

Thanks for compliments on Evolutionist at large.

Reports on his improving health.

Summary

Encloses check [cheque!?] for £50. James Caird will guarantee £75 and T. H. Farrer £25. Above gentlemen think JT should get report on his experiments from independent agriculturists.

Summary

Thanks for letter. Prepared to continue experiments if aided. Thinks of distributing new [potato] varieties. Believes seeds should be planted this spring.

Summary

Problems of continuing with his crossing experiments; financial help from CD.

Summary

Discusses movement of ears and contraction of the platysma.

Discusses phyllotaxy, citing work of Carl Nägeli and Chauncey Wright.

Summary

Progress of experiments. Wants CD’s advice on best way to cross-fertilise his plants.

Summary

Forwards newspaper reports by growers of Torbitt’s potatoes. Torbitt is in much distress and CD fears all his work will be thrown away unless he is aided.

Summary

Seeks a testimonial for the Chair of Geology at Edinburgh.

Summary

Gives instructions for sending out copies of Coral reefs to various journals. Discusses the complimentary copies which have already been sent out.

Summary

CD thinks A. Günther’s tortoises are relics of closely allied forms, once widely distributed. Expressed this view to AG a few months ago. Cannot explain their restriction to volcanic islands.

Summary

It will give CD real pleasure to propose HWB for F.R.S. Asks that he send him the necessary information for the certificate as well as a list of men he would like to sign it. He should not be disappointed if not elected first time. [Bates elected F.R.S. 2 June 1881.]

Summary

Is recuperating well in France.

Summary

The Darwin family cannot agree on what CD should do about Butler’s charges [in Unconscious memory]. CD has commissioned HEL to ask LS’s advice. She sends an account of the affair with background materials.

Summary

JDH’s condolences at Amy Darwin’s death.

Summary

Sends JDH a letter he has written supporting James Torbitt’s potato trials.

Summary

Though correspondence has never ebbed so low, CD is constantly in his thoughts.

Observations on cheetahs used as domesticated hunting animals.

Finds geographical barriers sometimes separate species, but also finds species that remain separate where there are no barriers to migration.

Colour "individuates" isolated animal species.

Plains and alpine animal distribution show altitude not strictly analogous to latitude.

Impact of timber cutting on climate has led to extinction of crocodiles.

Will discuss coal formation in letter to Edward Forbes.

CD often asked whether isolated mountains in southern latitudes had closely allied representatives of Arctic and north temperate plants; JDH has found a representative barberry.

Making for Darjeeling via Calcutta.