H. W. Bates says CD is in town. WWR would like to call.

Discusses expression among the Chinese. Reports certain physical characters and the practice of certain unusual customs.

Has read several of CD’s books; is curious about his remarks on "movements which are no longer useful but still inherited". Asks CD’s opinion on why people still swing arms with opposite leg in walking.

Thanks CD for photograph – sends one in return,

questions CD on his religious views.

On ocelli and relation to sexual selection;

instance of rejection of male by female butterfly.

Pleased CD enjoyed his book [Outdoor papers (1871)].

Rejoices at CD’s kindly feelings toward the coloured race.

The Index is in financial trouble due to F. E. Abbot’s unworldliness.

Agassiz is setting up a summer school for natural history off the Massachusetts coast. His pupils develop more liberal scientific opinions than Agassiz’s.

Encloses some notes on expression.

The Leweses will be happy to see the Litchfields, and hope CD will come again, with Emma.

Is trying to persuade "our friend" [T. H. Huxley?] to accept a gift.

Describes the behaviour of a pet donkey and pig.

Having now read Expression, WM repeats his criticism of "antithesis". Explains his theory of up-and-down-tending lines.

Debates the existence of God.

Sends photograph of a diseased roebuck shot by Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia.

Thinks the Huxley fund should be done. Difficulty will be getting him to accept it.

Sends his 6th volume.

William Spottiswoode was not at home, but JT sought out Herbert Spencer. Spencer will come with JT to see CD [about the Huxley fund].

Is convinced that the "brotherly spirit of the transaction" will cause Huxley not to raise objections.

W. G. Armstrong and T. H. Farrer have both contributed [to the Huxley fund].

George Henslow is worse. All plans to go abroad have been given up. James Paget’s diagnoses enclosed.

Thanks CD for his kind letter about The fair haven [1873]. Encouraged by its reception. All he wants is to compel "an attitude of fixed attention in the place of cowardly shrinking from examination". Says he will try "a novel pure and simple with little ""purpose"" next".

It is Huxley’s "duty to do what we wish him to do – his duty to his wife and children, his duty to us and to the world". Shares CD’s wish that Mrs [Henry] L[yell?] had not subscribed – it suggests the idea of an effort.