Is sending chapter [of Earthworms] for FD to look over.

Comments on FD’s work on movements of mould.

Is glad to hear about Julius von Sachs and the circumnutation theory.

Sends further chapters of Earthworms for correction.

Cannot discuss HMW’s essay. Does not believe there has been progress in all organisms. There has been much degradation, as in parasites.

Agrees to sit for portrait. Thinks John Collier is a good artist, an opinion based on his portrait of Hooker.

Dispatches chapters six and seven [of Earthworms].

Asks for any opinions on V. Hensen and his book, Physiologie der Zeugung [1881], which seems interesting.

Thanks FD for corrections [for Earthworms].

Discusses experiments on absorption in Drosera.

Thanks YD [for Contribution à l’étude de l’appareil circulatoire des crustacés édriopthalmes marins (1881)].

CD looks forward with dread to future as he does not have the strength to begin any new subject requiring much work.

Plans to look again at the absorption by roots and root-hairs.