Sends proofs [of "On hybridization among plants", Pop. Sci. Rev. 5 (1866): 304–13].

Regrets delay in returning CD’s books.

Encourages CD to make "disparaging remarks".

Thanks for criticism of proofs of his paper [see 5117].

Not sure whether CD believes in reversion and would like a positive statement as this is the one point C. V. Naudin especially observed. Naudin offers his remarks on ovules as a matter to be proved ["Nouvelles recherches sur l’hybridité", Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. 1 (1865): 25–176].

Will take earlier train to Down.

In response to CD’s request for bud-sports, he sends a piece of a fern-leaved beech.

Has altered paper according to CD’s comments.

Returns books.

Thinks Rhamnus is a case of a dimorphic plant that has become dioecious.

"It [Rhamnus catharticus?] is certainly a case of dimorphic become dioecious."

Reports on his health.

Discusses a surveying expedition under Richard Charles Mayne on which his son will be Second Lieutenant; hopes to arrange for them to excavate some bones in the Falklands.

Sends flowers of the differing kinds [of Rhamnus?] with observations.

He has had a great struggle with Buckthorn, and would like CD to see the measurements some time.

Returns [Fritz?] Müller’s work [probably Für Darwin (1864)]. It is a remarkable memoir.

Suggests a memorial from Huxley, Murchison, and other geologists on the Gallegos fossils. He will speak privately to Duke of Somerset.

Lengthy analysis of sources of misunderstanding of natural selection. Advocacy of Spencer’s term "survival of the fittest" instead of "Natural Selection". ARW urges CD to stress frequency of variations.

Is trying to arrange a new American edition of Origin.

Gives notes on Passiflora acerifolia [on cover].

All the blocks [for Variation] are now engraved except the rock-dove.

Fritz Müller’s paper ["Notes on climbing plants"] is about to appear [in J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 9 (1867): 344–9]. Would CD approve of figures being reduced in size?

Sends onion and mint seeds.

Has taken memorial to G. H. Richards, the Hydrographer. He favours the proposal and will instruct Capt. Mayne. THH will communicate with Dr Cunningham, the naturalist for the expedition.

Is compelled to ask for postponement of payment of principal. His invention is gaining ground. Will pay interest until payment is made.

Asks CD if he can explain the results of an experiment that produced barley from oats that had been cut down to prevent their flowering.