Encloses letter from R. S. Ball [missing], who has placed reliance on Samuel Haughton’s wild speculations.

Has heard that J. Challis’s health is worse.

Are the animal and vegetable kingdoms so united as to be indistinguishable?

Requests CD to sent a cheque for the succession duty on Erasmus Alvey Darwin’s estate.

Reports observations on curious cats that appear to be cat–rabbit hybrids.

Dismisses report of cat–rabbit hybrid.

Requests visit to Down before he goes on expedition to South and Central Africa.

Argues that women are as regular "bread-winners" as men, though generally unrecognised as such, and that they possess the same qualities as men but lack the educational opportunities. Before women can be judged intellectually inferior to men they must share the same environment and opportunities. With "enlightened intellect, united with her wholesome moral nature" woman could help with the "propagation of the best and the survival of the fittest in the human species".

Reports remarkable case of inheritance of one of his habits by his infant son.

Encloses proof of CD’s prefatory notice for RM’s translation of Weismann; hopes CD might enlarge upon it.

Has observed earthworms drawing pine needles into their burrows.

Suggested T. G. Bonney contact CD to confirm story was apocryphal.

Declines CD’s generous offer of assistance with publishing costs of Weismann’s Studies, but would welcome his help in getting elected to the Royal Society.

FWS is applying for a position and wants a character reference.

Testifies to F. W. Surman’s good character and honesty.

Exchanges news on health.

Thanks AR for his worm observations.

George Darwin’s work is attracting attention; he intends to try for Plumian Professorship at Cambridge. Adds other news of George and of CD’s sons Leonard and William.

CD has finished his microscopic work and has only to write up two papers for the Linnean Society.

The editor of North American Review asks CD to write an article in support of systematic observations of mental development in infants.

CD will put together his notes on the action of carbonate of ammonia on roots in a few days. Asks SHV to send any information he may have, but not to answer if he has none. [See 13666.]

Thanks for writing. Had disbelieved the story. He has seen Dr Hahn’s slides and it is clear that Hahn cannot distinguish between mineral and organic structures.

Thanks for agreeing to propose him for the Royal Society.

Offers CD gift of slab with fossil annelid tracks.

Does CD know geologist who might give lecture in Dudley?