Sends another copy [of Huxley’s letter of thanks for holiday fund].

It has just occurred to CD that he ought not to leave a copy of Huxley’s confidential letter in the hands of anyone. Asks JT to write to ask recipients to return the copies to CD at Down.

Encloses note from J. T. Moggridge commenting on JDH’s letter ["Perception in ants", Nature 7 (1873): 443–4].

Offers condolences on the death of CL’s wife.

Recommends Hermann Müller’s Die Befruchtung der Blumen [1873].

Asks whether GC knows who gave CD a scolding in last Edinburgh Review [Apr 1873].

Lady Lyell’s death.

Sends names of donors of gift to THH.

The Edinburgh Review has a critical article against CD, THH, Tyndall, and H. Spencer [see 8935]. Thinks Forbes reference not worth answering.

"I was born in the town of Shrewsbury Feb. 12, 1809."

Asks whether, in Italy, varieties of Lathyrus odoratus, Pisum sativum, and Phaseolus multiflorus must be grown separately to come true.

Thanks correspondent for sending him an account of silkworms.

Hopes JT does not think him over-cautious in requesting the return of the copies [of Huxley’s letter]. Has sent Huxley a list of the subscribers.

Asks Murray not to announce Cross and self-fertilisation.

Explains that his publisher has erred in announcing his book [Cross and self-fertilisation] prematurely. [See 8890 and 8897.]

Recommends H. Müller’s Die Befruchtung der Blumen (1873).

Thanks FL for sending his essays and some photographs.

Comments on HM’s book [Die Befruchtung der Blumen (1873)]. Particularly glad to read historical sketch and discussion of work of C. K. Sprengel.

Recommends H. Müller’s Die Befruchtung den Blumen durch Insekten (1873).

Thanks for note and information.

Mentions venomous caterpillars in Africa and Australia.

Thanks for the Dionaea leaves. They support CD’s anticipation that they are adapted to let the smaller fry escape [see Insectivorous plants, p. 312].

John Murray has announced his next book [Cross and self-fertilisation] without CD’s knowledge. It is only half-written. JVC will hear when it is published and will decide whether it is worth translating. It will be dry, but, CD believes, of value.

Has read an account of JVC’s Scottish lectures.

Invites JVC to Down.