CD arranges for copies of some blocks [for use in Descent] from Brehm’s [Illustrirtes Thierleben (1864–7)].

Discusses peacocks and the rediscovery of the long-lost crested turkey.

CD has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bonn.

Discusses a domestic oriental fowl.

Is having problems getting answers to CD’s queries on expression as Chinese facial expressions are limited and controlled. Answers as well as he can. [See Expression index.]

Expresses gratitude for the distinguished honour conferred upon him by the University of Bonn.

Is writing to Australia to answer CD’s questions about resemblance of tail-feathers of young and mature female kingfishers. [See Descent 2: 188.]

Coming on Saturday.

Baby and wife pretty well.

Thinks GHL’s articles are quite excellent; hopes they will be republished.

Discusses adaptation. Doubts whether similar conditions without selection can produce similar organs independent of blood relationship: "resemblances due to descent and adaptation can commonly be distinguished".

Discusses luminous insects, electrical organs of fish, thorns and spines.

Gratified by CD’s approval of his articles, which the public has not much liked.

Clarifies the obscure sentence CD criticised – forms having a different genesis can be similar.

Calls CD’s attention to Kovalevsky’s memoir on Amphioxus [Mem. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg 7th ser. 11 (1868) no.4]. K’s views are all in favour of CD’s and against GHL’s.

Thanks for photograph.

Sends work proving all elements formed of one substance: "Pantogen". Feels affinity with CD. His work will cause as great a stir. Has already been preached against. Asks CD for a note as a token of his sympathy.

CD not a good enough botanist to form a judgment of specimen. Does not understand whether CAJ supposes the variety to be a result of hybridism or of the present very hot summer, which CD cannot doubt will have an effect on some British plants in their struggle for life.

Acknowledges GH’s letter and the lecture on "Faith and science".

Cannot form a judgment on his chemical theory, but if GH establishes his case it will be a magnificent discovery.

"Faith and science" contained many ideas new to CD. Hooker, too, has read it with interest.

Relates some observations on expression among Australian aboriginals and encloses answers to CD’s queries from other observers. [These include letters and observations from: J. A. Hagenauer, 28 May 1868; Archibald Grahame Lang, 17 June 1868; H. B. Lane, 24 June 1868; Templeton Bunnett, 25 June 1868; J. Bulmer (1868). (See introduction to Expression.)]

Asks whether it would be convenient if he came to Down. JVC would be sorry to leave England without seeing and thanking CD.

AG’s coming visit to England.

Hooker’s Presidency of BAAS.

A month at the Isle of Wight has done almost nothing for CD.

Regrets having missed JVC’s visit. CD’s health is poor. He hopes JVC will come to Down after BAAS meeting.

Has heard second part [of Variation] is out in German. Thanks JVC for his great care in making translation accurate.

The problem of sterility, and its relation to natural selection.

George Bentham’s support of Darwinism.

FM’s additions for English edition [1869] of Für Darwin.

Dimorphic plants.

Enjoyed JDH’s visit.

Mrs Cameron’s photograph of JDH is grand.

Has heard J. V. Carus will be at Norwich. Suggests JDH mention that Origin was translated by two distinguished naturalists, H. G. Bronn and Carus.