CD has read the two reports on culture of poppies with interest and has planted seeds.

Suggests an experiment for evidence on whether plants, thought merely varieties, are like species and fail to intercross, despite insect pollination.

Comments on investigation of coral reefs by A. A. Gould, particularly the reefs around Tahiti. Mentions description of reefs of Tahiti by W. Forbes.

Hooker’s view of work by C. J. F. Bunbury.

Thanks GWN for condolences on death of Amy, his daughter-in-law.

Encloses coral specimen and manuscript account of it by William Lonsdale.

Asks WCM to design additional rooms for Down House.

Mr Laslett, a builder, will meet WCM on Tuesday.

CD is much interested in a change in Drosera reported by GC, but "rather doubts" exclusion of insects can have caused it; would like to see the plant and suggests sending it to Down.

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

Has received copy of CL’s Principles [7th ed.].

Comments on reading Annales des sciences naturelles.

David Milne’s and Robert Chambers’ views on Glen Roy.

Mentions sales of South America.

Describes visit to his father at Shrewsbury.

Agrees to propose GJR for membership in Royal Society.

Remarks on GJR’s paper on Medusae [Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. 167 (1877): 659–752].

Discusses certificate proposing GJR as Fellow of Royal Society.

Declines offer involving embryological studies.

Discusses possible case of inherited memory involving Pompilus. Cites similar example of electric eel.

Asks RK [Linnean Society Librarian] to send several journal volumes and articles.

Accedes to her [unspecified] request.

Thanks for specimens [of insects].

Wonders whether difference between male and female plays part in fertilisation of fig.

Flowers of Oxalis sensitiva, sent long ago, are trimorphic and cleistogamic.

Regrets that GJR was passed over for membership in Royal Society. Discusses criteria applied by Council.

Comments on correspondence between CL and Whewell [concerning university reform].

Criticises S. G. Morton’s "Hybridity in animals" [Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 3 (1847): 39–50, 203–12].

CD has sent the pig’s foot to William Henry Flower to examine.

‘The pigs-foot has been dispatched to day per Rail.’