Extract from Athenæum 11 May [1878], p. 606, of R. I. Lynch on germination of the provision tree.

Has taken OCM to the photographer’s, and is sending photographs to be signed.

Surprised and delighted by Mr Rich’s bequest as it will greatly increase his income. Intends to leave money to the Royal Society to contribute to science. Houses in London are a good investment even in times that are nervous for bankers.

Sends figures on increase in value of North Western Railway stocks. Says consol stock considered much more secure for bankers. Does not think his own bank is in danger of a run. Is glad to see the Emperor of Prussia has confirmed CD’s appointment to Academy. Is snowing at Bassett.

Thanks CD profusely for the circular which detailed his and Emma Darwin’s plans to increase their children’s income. Thinks a few hundred really makes the difference for feeling really rich, especially as he now knows how important it is for bankers to have available personal savings.

Sends CD petition from Olmstead and asks him to forward it around to get good signatures.

Returns Guthrie. Comments at length on Guthrie’s critique of Spencer.

Discusses possible investments.

Delighted by honour CD has received from Turin. Agrees with Horace that the money ought to be given to the Zoological Station at Naples.

Thanks CD for giving money to the children. Is going to give money to Bessy, but not invest it until she is really rich. Returns Butler’s letter. Thinks Butler is looking for a grievance to write an article about.

Is beginning Geikie’s Ice age. Describes flints found on the common. Comments on exciting election.

Asks whether CD will forward enclosed to Lord Derby, and offers to send him a copy of the New York state survey. Will go to Beaulieu in the early autumn. Tells story about gallenes raised by hens being attacked.

Asks CD to invite William James to stay before he returns to America.

Sends four wrist bands, and advice on putting them on. George is well. Can easily get worm castings. Lilly and Mlle Wild arrived in a storm to stay the night. Is much amused by Sedgwick’s ferocious letter about Vestiges.

Thanks CD for copy of Movement in plants and says he is enjoying it. Is pleased that a full article appeared in the Times. Will go to Beaulieu soon for worm casts. His gardener calls worms “our civil engineers”. Promised to tell Frank how to make plants bend.

Observations on worms’ pulling leaves into their burrows.

Will soon manage to go to Beaulieu. Is glad the book is going off well. Is thinking of going to the Roman Villa at Brading on the Isle of Wight.

Description of remains of a Roman villa and the worm activity at the site.

Sends diagrams [missing] showing worm action at two sites.

Passes on legal advice.