Encloses reply to Butler [Kosmos 8 (1881): 321–2]. Has also written a reply intended for English reader. Will have it translated for Popular Science Review if CD thinks suitable.

Report of Jäger accident was an error.

Kosmos has been purchased by Eduard Koch in Stuttgart and will continue as in the past.

CD may choose where to publish EK’s reply to Butler. Would prefer Athenæum. Thinks it better that CD not reply himself.

Has written to Balfour concerning the Butler affair.

Birthday greetings.

Thinks it best not to reply further to Butler. Has read G. J. Romanes’ article with great pleasure. Romanes is right to ridicule Butler. Quotes passages about Butler from CD letters. Has received letter from F. M. Balfour urging him not to reply to Butler.

Sends his review of Movement in plants from Die Gartenlaube.

Comments on the future prospects of Kosmos.

Comments on review of Samuel Butler’s Unconscious memory by Romanes in Nature [23 (1880–1): 285–7] and Romanes’ reply to Butler [pp. 335–6].

Asks whether he might have a chapter of Earthworms to print in Kosmos.