Contemptuous of Samuel Butler.

Has read that Huxley will be Inspector of Fisheries.

When CD visits in spring, he will acquaint him with legalities of Worthing house.

Birthday greetings.

Thinks it best not to reply further to Butler. Has read G. J. Romanes’ article with great pleasure. Romanes is right to ridicule Butler. Quotes passages about Butler from CD letters. Has received letter from F. M. Balfour urging him not to reply to Butler.

Interested in theory of flight machines. Thinks it may be possible to fly by hitching man to large birds. What does CD think?

Recalls gift of book sent to CD.

Forwards the preface to his book [see 12999] and comments on the effect of the Bible on science.

Brokers have purchased Leeds Corporation Stock.

Discusses the possible rebuilding of a pair of cottages on CD’s farm at Beesby, Lincolnshire.

Belated birthday greetings

and reminiscences of CD’s help to the Station, which continues to prosper. A recent innovation is the establishment of the Zoologische Jahresbericht edited by J. V. Carus.

Thanks for compliments on Evolutionist at large.

Reports on his improving health.

The laboratory has scarcely any experimental evidence on acidity of humus soil and earthworm excreta. Refers CD to some sources of information.

In his last letter FM told CD about four flowers of Lagerstroemia that he had fertilised with the yellow pollen of another variety or species and which had subsequently fallen off. He has now repeated the experiment using the yellow pollen of a different variety and successfully produced good fruit as large as that fertilised with green pollen.

Intends experiment to see if cats released in country can find their way back.

AR plans, when he dies, to leave sea-side house at Worthing to Huxley.

Pleased that Huxley is likely to accept gift of AR’s house.

Astonished by Rich’s act. Has written to him.

Reports observations of worms for CD’s use.

Sends some books.

Responds to MS of Earthworms. An objective but arbitrary test of intelligence in animals is the ability to learn from experience. Earthworms fall on the border of intelligence. They could justly be called intelligent if they could learn by experience to manipulate some unknown, exotic leaf. CD should make clear that intelligence does not imply self-consciousness.

Sends a number of facts for CD’s attention, including cases of water-beetles and newts in his aquarium having a foot caught by small bivalves. This might explain migration of bivalves.

Huxley has written to accept gift of Rich’s house.

Approves of Lord Derby’s politics.

Requests a subscription for Shrewsbury School.