Explains delay in printing proofs [of Movement in plants?].

Thanks for CD’s letter, and further discussion of the sale of Tromer Lodge.

Thanks for copy of Movement in plants; CD’s discovery of a "nervous system without nerves" will have important bearing on origins of animal nervous system.

Discusses matters relating to Great Western Railway Company stock.

Sends the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union’s publications prior to the visit to Down of its deputation.

High praise for Island life; ARW’s "best book". Encloses notes of comments and criticism. Hooker pleased by dedication.

Thanks for seeds of Megarrhiza and for information in letter to Asa Gray.

Will send copy of Movement in plants in which Megarrhiza is discussed [see pp. 81–2].

Thanks for address honouring him.

Has read THH’s review of Sir Wyville Thomson’s [Introduction to the] Voyage of the "Challenger".

Sends a draft of a letter for Nature [Collected papers 2: 223–4]. He particularly asks THH to decide whether he should include a certain paragraph [see ML 1: 389].

Refers correspondent to Descent for some information on marriage arrangements, and on the mental and moral nature of monkeys.

Lectured on mental evolution in Newcastle.

Has conducted interesting research on locomotor systems of echinoderms.

Sir Wyville Thomson misunderstands natural selection when he says the theory "refers the evolution of species to extreme variation guided only by natural selection". CD demurs at the "extreme variation" and the "only". No one has said evolution depends only on natural selection. CD has adduced many facts on the effects of use and disuse and on the direct action of the environment.

He has observed several instances of animals’ tails lying to the left in rigor mortis. Is this a general rule?

Has spoken to Wallace to see if reluctant to accept a Government pension. He would accept if CD and Huxley believe it justified. Encloses details of Wallace’s efforts to obtain a position as naturalist and his claims for a pension.

Response to CD’s notes [on Island life]:

1. On relation of paucity of fossils to coldness of water;

2. Cessation of the glacial period;

3. Rate of deposit and geological time;

4. The importance of preoccupation (by plants) in relation to plants arriving later.

Charge of speculative explanations is just.

Defends plausibility of migration of plants from mountain to mountain.

Believes the flexure in GM’s dead animals must result from the greater strength of the muscles on the left side. Thinks his son George once tested the strength of each leg of a group of boys, and CD could get his notes if wanted.

Thanks for information about Wallace. Is preparing memorial to be submitted to Government [seeking pension for Wallace].

Sorry he forgot the gardener’s address. Having a very nice time in Cambridge, and is almost finished the bramble paper. Drawing room is upside down, so living in Horace’s working room and dining room. Greek question was lost in the Senate House. George dined there last night. Too muddy to bicycle. Has some stuff for spectacles.

Has found three zones of stones in the Welsh and Pennine mountains which he accounts for by elevation and subsidence. Does CD think that these movements in historical times have been caused by earthquakes or by slow and gradual movements?

Is collecting annual subscriptions for the support of J[emmy] FitzRoy Button. Has only just been told of the death of Miss [Sarah Elizabeth] Wedgwood.

Gives news of some former Beagle crew members.