Formic acid kills seeds but only rarely makes them dormant – as he presumes ants do. He finds great variation in the vigour of individual seeds. Harvester ants, used in place of formic acid, do not affect germination.

Suggests experiment and observations to carry out on pitcher [of Nepenthes].

Is coming to stay in London and wants to arrange a visit to Kew to talk with JDH, see the Eucalypti, and observe Mimosa albida.

Reports an incident of his "hereditary" habit of dozing, head in hand, such that he scratches his nose.

Has been studying Origin and other works. Has lectured on the subject and would like to send some of his conclusions if CD is willing.

Requests permission to call upon EF either Friday or Saturday morning [14 or 15 November].

Suggests raising money to help Anton Dohrn complete the Naples Zoological Station, which is in danger of remaining unfinished.

Hybrid Motacilla.

Case of female duck leaving mate to pair with male of another species.

Is pleased that CD found the letters from Bell’s Weekly Messenger to the point.

Encloses extracts relating to benefits derived by animals from altered conditions of life.

Encloses notes on deterioration of short-horns from inbreeding. Breeders agree with him on benefits of introducing fresh blood into inbred stocks.

Sends information on shedding of reindeer horns in males and females.

Lemmings.

CD writes about organising a subscription for Dohrn’s Zoological Station at Naples. Has drawn up a draft circular for naturalists to sign to show their support for the Station.

Frankland is sending JSBS organic acids for him to try artificial digestion. CD will send globulin and haemoglobin.

Encloses A. R. Wallace’s reply [in which he says he will undertake revision of Descent if CD wishes]. HWB says this shows that Wallace is unaware of the scope of revision; suggests need for well-defined terms.

Thanks for assistance. He will write fully to Wallace tomorrow.

Returned from visit.

Thinks several species of Eucalyptus would be worth experimenting on. Sends list.Mimosa albida would be worth its weight in diamonds. Neptunia worth more than diamonds.

Thanks for FH’s work on the means of the distribution of plants (Hildebrand 1873).

Informs JVC that he is beginning a second, corrected edition of Descent, in case a new edition is wanted in Germany.

Sorry to hear of GHD’s poor health – he could have pleasant society at Cambridge if he were stronger.

Contributes £75 [to a fund for Naples Zoological Station] "if the affair goes on after we hear from Dohrn".

Would be happy if ARW would undertake to help with correcting the proof-sheets of his revised edition of Descent. Outlines the job that would be required.

Has had a week’s cessation of Nepenthes work.

Had to get out a paper for the Linnean Society on Thursday.

Has tried Mimosa albida in hothouse and found it wonderfully sensitive.

A military report from India praises his travel book.