Asks CD to look at the "special phylogonies" on pp. 138 and 152 of his book [Forms of animal life (1870)]. His comments are based on reading Haeckel, who is highly speculative and quite wrong.

Thanks TTTT for his study of European spiders [On European spiders Part 1 (1869–70)] which bases its classification system on the theory of evolution.

Italian translation [of Variation] is delayed, but printing should begin soon.

Will send CD one of his writings in which he defends the natural descent of man [Origin dell’uomo, 2d ed. (1870)].

CD’s theory is making great progress in Italy and daily gains supporters.

Is not prepared to express an opinion on man’s origin. On pure anatomical grounds he would form a family of the higher division of the primates, but if man’s intellectual, moral, and religious nature is considered, then "he differs more from an Anthropoid Ape than such an Ape differs from a lump of granite".

Thanks StGJM for prompt answer correcting inaccuracies in CD’s notes on StGJM’s opinions. Expects "universal disapprobation" when he publishes Descent.

Sends insect that carries dead ants, dead leaves, etc., on its back, as protective imitation.

Apologises for saying more than was necessary in his previous letter. Although he feels gratitude and esteem for CD, he execrates those who use natural selection to oppose man’s higher interests and impede his advance. Has seen Huxley’s Man’s place in nature for sale among a crowd of obscenities at most Italian railway stations.

Aggressive behaviour of dogs and horses.

Rabbits still running true; hopes to increase alien blood to 30%.

Is much obliged for information [about rabbits?].

Will send deerhound puppy.

Is critical of Herbert Spencer.

Discusses the reasons for inserting questions on consanguineous marriages in the forthcoming Census.

On amount of modification and lines of descent in determining the position in man.

Reference to StGJM’s article "On the appendicular skeleton of the primates" Phil. Trans. R. Soc. [157 (1867): 299–430],

and his [and James Murie’s] article on lemurs ["On the anatomy of Lemuroidea"] Trans. Zool. Soc. [7 (1872): 1–114].

Writes to compare notes on sunspot observations.

Has no idea whether the sunspots appeared suddenly or gradually. The Kew people may be able to help in this matter. Comments on some more sunspots.

Would like him to accept the enclosed paper on the cause and effect of dew. Comments on various points.

The volumes of the Sinai photographs will be dispatched tomorrow. The cost of the survey has been covered by subscriptions and he will forward a statement of the account later.

Sends a copy of his own book, the Immortals, which he would like JH to glance at as the Herschels are mentioned.

Comments on ability of eye to adapt to prismatic glass in corrective spectacles for double vision [see JH's 1869-10-31]. Heard of bad health of DS and John [Stewart]. JH is fighting bronchitis.

No permanent optical solution to DS's double vision. Remarks on description by DS's son of cavalry duty in Ireland and Canada.