Asks who Fiske is. The articles [Harvard lectures?] are "so fair and in some respects so complimentary" that CD thinks he should write to him. [See 8058.]

Marriage is basis of all religious forms of thought, and this is the subjective equivalent of CD’s law that sex is the most important agency of universal development.

"Please accept my thanks for your kind present of your two Papers."

CD glad to hear of success of translation of Descent.

Will not go to press with Expression for six or nine months; hopes HHHvZ will think it worth translating.

A French refugee and populariser of CD’s work asks for an audience.

Thanks JF for his lectures, the arguments of which he finds very forcible; is glad to see JF has detected the falseness of much of Mivart’s reasoning.

Forwards a letter from R. O. Jones on the effects of castration on horns of male lambs.

Can photograph the scene CD requested only in the spring.

Heliotype is cheap but Woodburytype allows alterations.

Has read Variation and reports on markings on donkeys similar to those in vol. 1, p. 63.

Regrets he is too unwell to see RT before his departure for the Cape; wishes him well.

Sends CD a measure with capacity of 20 oz or 34.65925 cubic inches.

Thanks for loan of measure.

News of progress of German editions of Origin

and Descent.

Asks CD for references on chabius – a Chilean hybrid of goat and sheep.

Is it now thought that the spongioles of rootlets secrete carbonic acid which acts on bones and rocks?

Sends paper on Artemesia.

Praise for Descent.

Has talked to St George Mivart about CD’s health.

Explains why he must decline to write for the Index: his health is poor and he has never systematically thought much on religion. FEA may print his comments, "with qualifications", if he wishes.

Praises and comments on JL’s essay on insects ["Origin of insects", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. 11 (1873): 422–5].

CD offers to mark corrected passages in sheets of 6th edition of Origin.

Discusses question of hybrids between goats and sheep, on which H. von Nathusius has cast doubt in his recent Viehzucht [1872]. CD gives several references for a contrary view.

Asks JVC to inquire about HvN’s assertion that castrated rams have no horns.

Says has sent a copy of CD’s memorial to Captain Jones. Passes on Sir Geo. Grey’s comments on pasturage near Morpeth. Tells superstition about straight furrows and fairies.

Thanks for the information about the action of roots on rocks.