Entirely sympathises with CD about Mivart’s attack on George. THH has had a letter from Mivart in which he pleads guilty, but THH has decided there is no patching the matter up. Advises against doing anything unless Mivart takes initiative.

Thanks AD-P for sending his work, not yet received, on evolution [Die neuere Schöpfungsgeschichte (1875)].

THH’s letter to Mivart is "tremendous". CD’s feelings and intentions about the matter.

If THH has made out homology of the skull, it is grandest discovery in years.

Encloses note from Huxley and copy of Huxley’s answer to Mivart – a tremendous reproof. On Huxley’s advice, CD will not write to Mivart. Thinks Mivart’s private apology to Huxley makes the case even worse.

Sends capsules with results from Genlisea specimens and fragments of Polypompholyx.

Read AG’s article [see 9753] on longevity and duration of varieties with great interest.

Death of Mrs Hooker.

Hopes Insectivorous plants will be out in the spring.

Has gone over Huxley’s letter, thinks it a model. All must now await developments. If Mivart does not apologise, JDH will write to him.

Comments on review of EH’s Anthropogenie [1874].

Mentions recent work of Huxley and other scientists.

Discourages grafting ears of rabbits. Suggests comb of fowl.

Asks JT to persuade Lady Lubbock to change physicians and put herself in the care of Andrew Clark. Thinks this alone will save her.

Has not heard from Mivart. He is not so good a Christian as JDH and cannot forgive a man for malicious lying merely because he says he is sorry. Does not think Mivart will apologise. Still thinks the simple, most manly thing, is to write to Mivart directly and tell him what he thinks of him.

Thanks AD-P for the copy of his work [see 9756].

JT had not known Lady Lubbock was ill. Will try to persuade her [to change physicians]. Agrees Andrew Clark is best.

Hooker has survived his crisis [death of his wife].

St G. J. Mivart’s act is a natural outflow of his character.

Explains that his letter had to do with how he should act publicly to Mivart if he retracted. He would not forgive him. If he does not retract, it would no longer be possible to keep him Secretary of the Linnean Society.

Drosophyllum will be sent when weather permits.

States his very high opinion of [JC-B’s?] abilities as judged from his writings and many excellent letters, and his suitability for some post in histology and pathology.

Please to send parcel to Orpington Station.

No summary available.

Observations on the insects captured by Utricularia.

Wants to see Huxley tomorrow, but knows he is going down to High Elms to see Colenso.

Would like to know the results of CD’s Utricularia experiments.

A Brazilian love-bird, escaped from captivity, has been found in a robin’s nest, apparently starved to death along with three young robins.