Although he formed a high opinion of one of the correspondent’s papers, regrets that he could not presume to give an opinion of the merits of a candidate in chemistry.

Asks FD to come early to write from dictation.

Thanks Amy for her drawing of Utricularia montana.

Invites WO to lunch.

Regrets that a cut [for Descent] does not do justice to TWW’s original drawing and if it cannot be improved then CD will have to omit it. [Refers to fig. 60 in Descent (1874).]

Regrets the trouble GHD has had.

CD sends thanks for the honour conferred by his election as an honorary member, though ill health may prevent his taking advantage of the privileges granted.

Thanks for two pamphlets.

Sends Thomas Belt’s [The naturalist in Nicaragua (1874)], "the best Nat. Hist. book of travels ever published".

Has no objection to having his name appear as honorary member of [unidentified] club.

Sends paper she read before AAAS, but which was not accepted for Proceedings.

Mentions family news;

sends a little magazine [missing] dealing with South American mission and showing "what teaching and the gospel of Christ is doing for those poor Natives".

Requests help for George Darwin’s investigation of marriages of first cousins. Seeks to determine proportion of first-cousin offspring among the insane, deaf and dumb, blind, etc.

CD has previously received information on colours of greyhounds. Now asks whether breeders rear all puppies, and, if not, do they selectively rear more males or females?

Thanks BJS for the missionary pamphlet and his good account of the Fuegians.

Is under the care of Andrew Clark, and feels "very old & helpless".

Asks about insects and seeds on leaves of Pinguicula.

Thanks JDH for Asa Gray’s interesting letter.

Would like JDH’s copy of Coral reefs. Needs it for corrections for a new edition. Cannot buy one.

W. J. Beal’s paper ["Phyllotaxis of cones", Am. Nat. 7 (1873): 449–53] shows incompleteness of HA’s theory, but does not invalidate his basic principles on origin of leaf arrangement or the broad applicability of the theory.

Pleased they will publish a new edition of Coral reefs, and he will soon consider any addenda and write a short preface.

Will return the wood-blocks of Journal of Researches the following week.

Could his copy of Coral Reefs please be returned.

CD is glad Horace has done "pretty well" in his examination.

Smith and Elder will publish new edition of Coral reefs [1874]; thanks HD for aid.

Breeders normally destroy weak and puny puppies in large litters, but would keep females if only one or two.

Invites AC to visit.