On Wallace’s need for a regular income. He has been rejected as Superintendent of Epping Forest. Thinks men such as Lubbock, Hooker, and CD might help.

Reports information sent by E. Schulte [12254] on the colours of the male Diadema bolina.

Discusses extent to which consciousness came into play in the origin of certain instincts, including sexual display.

Miss Arabella Buckley’s letter on Wallace’s poor health and finances leads CD to seek JDH’s aid in getting a Government pension.

Discusses possibility of Government pension for Wallace.

Argues against pension for Wallace because of his spiritualism; the underhanded way he brought about discussion of spiritualism at BAAS; his pocketing money from a bet on the sphericity of the earth; his lack of absolute poverty.

JDH convinces CD not to press for pension for Wallace.

Thanks CD for acting on her suggestion about getting Wallace an income; acknowledges the difficulty. Is not sure Wallace would accept government money for doing nothing in return.

Has discussed with Hooker possibility of Government pension for Wallace. Hooker is pessimistic.

Thanks CD for trouble over Wallace, even though success not assured.

Questions CD on the possibility of selecting disease-resisting potatoes to produce ultimately a disease-resistant variety.

RWD has read "with deep interest" Erasmus Darwin. He has copies of four letters from Erasmus Darwin to his great-grandfather, Richard Dixon, and he encloses a copy of the most interesting one.

Is sending CD his Illustrated book of poultry in which the chapter on the "Origin of the domestic fowl" may be of interest.

He ventures to mention several errors in Variation.

Mentions the late Mr Lane of Bristol, a celebrated Spanish breeder (of poultry).

Three letters from Erasmus Darwin to Dixon’s great-grandfather, transcribed by Dixon. Enclosure to a missing letter.

RAJ is the son of cousins and wishes to marry his cousin. Is anxious for information on consanguineous marriages and on the advisability of his proposed marriage.

Reports that Phylloxera-resistant vines have been found in an infected region of Portugal.

What a foolish idea seems to prevail in Germany on the connection between Socialism and Evolution through Natural Selection.

Asks for a list of books on evolution relating to man.

Glad to hear about vines.

Hopes JT will be able to continue work without Government aid. "It is enough to sicken one to see how politicians waste their time squabbling and neglect doing any good."

The Academy of Sciences of Turin has awarded CD a 12000 franc prize for his work during the past four years.

New Year greetings.