In response to CD’s letter of 21 April, TE has forwarded the 67 clichés of the woodcuts from Fritz Müller’s work [Für Darwin (1864)]; acknowledges CD’s cheque for £3 6s. in payment.

Various topics related to sexual selection: sexual differences, sexual preferences, coloration.

Observations on root-climbers. Variegated and arborescent varieties of Hedera.

[CD’s notes are for his reply, 6165.]

More on CD’s objections to ARW’s views on protection and natural selection.

Sexual selection.

Discusses Hildebrand

and criticises Delpino.

Asks to borrow C. K. Sprengel’s Entdeckte Geheimniss der Natur [1793].

Botanists have no explanation of the case of Viola odorata and other showy flowers being sterile while inconspicuous ones bear seed.

Langstaff has seen no trace of blushing on the body.

Starlings find new mates readily. Nesting in threes common.

Recognition of song by birds.

Describes the appearance of the nose in crying.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Forwards a drawing of the great nebula of Orion, which he has just received from Angelo Secchi for JH. Quotes Secchi's remarks.

Opposes parliamentary bill to adopt French metric system. Explains weaknesses of system.

[Printed notice] Invitation to meetings of 'Royal Geographical Society.'

Addresses problems in metric bill introduced to Parliament by William Ewart. Argues for the retention of the British system of weights and measures. Shows that the inch can be defined as one five hundred millionth of the length of the earth's polar axis.

In Dec. 1867, JH offered small theodolite to Pierce Butler for survey of Sinai peninsula, and agreed to serve as co-trustee of Sinai Survey Fund with Henry James. Heard nothing until news of Butler's death and announcement that F. W. Holland and George Williams would take leadership and that RM was involved. Renews JH's offer, but health prevents JH from attending meetings.

Thanks JH for calling AH's attention to 'mischievous & preposterous metric measure bill.' Will work to defeat it [in Parliament].

Working on rejection of metric bill [in Parliament]. Grateful for information provided by JH.

Problem of Irish church has forced postponement of Parliamentary discussion of metric bill until 13 May.

Thanks for JH's notes on metric system. Will study these before Parliamentary debate on 13 May. Calculates that 63 percent of exports go to British possessions, while only 18 percent go to Continent. Sees this as argument against introducing metric system.

Relation of British imperial units of weight to their 'geometrical synonyms.'