CD’s observations on the power of movement and transmission of motor impulses in plants. If RLT succeeds with the tails of mice, it will be "a beautiful little discovery"; CD will enjoy it the more "because some German sneered at natural selection and instanced the tail of the mouse" [see 10013].

Is glad ARW will attend to vote for Lankester [at the Linnean Society].

Has signed certificates.

Has signed enclosure [Royal Society nomination for McLachlan] with pleasure.

His specimen catalogue has not been returned from Cambridge museum. If not lost, will answer query.

Discusses spider specimens.

Pigeons’ skins dispatched today.

Sends MS about pigeons.

"I have always been inclined to think that sparrows were acute & crafty birds, but you certainly show that they are Fools, & if they go on behaving in so idiotic a manner, you will do quite right to expose their conduct in some public Journal!--"

Has not yet received letter [about Cambridge honorary LL.D.].

Thanks ADeB for sending him Botanische Zeitung, but asks him to send it no more, as CD takes it regularly and has procured the volumes from the beginning.

"I do not know whether the enclosed will be of any use to you.– I can say nothing of your fitness for the desired office, as I know nothing whatever of its duties.

I am sincerely sorry to hear of Mr F. Smith’s death."

Asks for identification of an Oxalis flower.

Thanks ADeB for sending specimens of Utricularia to Francis [Darwin]. Urges him to publish his observations, because Utricularia differs widely from Drosera. CD has been unable to detect any evidence of true digestion in Utricularia.

Is pleased to hear that the translator for the Dutch edition [of Descent] is a person so well qualified [see 7384]. He encloses a facsimile of the title page. Reports arrangements with John Murray.

Encloses an article he wrote for the Scotsman [9 Mar 1871, p. 5].

Wishes he had time to write a critique of Descent. There is evidence of design and benevolence in nature. Beauty cannot be accounted for by natural selection.

Thanks AGB for "various notes".

Would like to hear his views about the Brahmaea.

Thanks for letter [8137]. Finds observation at Stonehenge of depth of mould at different parts of slope "most valuable".

Feels that StGJM’s review of Descent [Q. Rev. 131 (1871): 47–90] greatly misrepresents CD’s opinions and conclusions. Feels their differences of opinion are so great that discussion of almost any subject would be a waste of both their time.

Asks FD questions about his sketch [missing] of ridges and furrows. [FD’s answers are interlined.]