CD does not think he could be wrong about the stigma of Bolbophyllum.

Will not write up Drosera for years.

Praises JS’s experiments. Invites him to send a paper to Linnean Society.

L. C. Treviranus says all species of Primula present two forms except P. longiflora.

Sends cheque to pay for photographs.

Thinks the dark purple anthers are a mass of a Cryptogamic plant, allied to the smut of Wheat. There remains a case of a reversion from a diœcious to a hermaphrodite condition.

Discusses recent correspondence in the Athenæum: the disagreement between Lyell and Hugh Falconer and Owen’s remarks on heterogeny [see 4110].

Briefly discusses orchids and some problems in phyllotaxy.

Mentions the political situation and the quarrelsome behaviour of the English.

Discusses Darjeeling position. Thanks CD for advice.

Will send orchid paper [see 4087].

Has written to G. Dennen to ask him for an explanation regarding his behaviour in a financial transaction involving the savings bank of which JTA and CD are trustees.

Thanks for CD’s paper [not named].

Inquires whether Lychnis, as an hermaphrodite, is more susceptible to fungus, disease, other weaknesses.

Sends abstract from Edinburgh Courant of his orchid sterility paper [see 4087]. Balfour altered title to obscure its theoretical nature.

Sends specimens showing curious variation.

CD’s encouragement of John Scott, who has found a case of self-incompatibility in orchids, like William Herbert’s in Crinum.

Nägeli on phyllotaxy.

CD’s observations on broom fertilisation.

Has not yet received any reply from Dennen.

Recommends that CD visit Dr MacLeod’s [hydropathic] establishment near Ilkley.

Asks CD’s help with problem that arose when he tried to impregnate an orchid following CD’s text in Orchids.

Sends letter from G. Dennen. GD improperly proposed to a depositor, Percival, to lend his savings at 10% to Dennen’s brother; asks CD whether matter should be brought before bank trustees.

AG’s review of Alphonse de Candolle’s paper [Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 35 (1863): 430–44] is excellent.

Does not AG consider that orchids oppose Oswald Heer’s view that species arise suddenly by monstrosities?

Infers that AG cannot explain the angles of phyllotaxy; has been looking at Carl Nägeli on the subject.

Reports Gaston de Saporta’s belief that natural selection will ultimately triumph in France.

Is working slowly at Variation.

Reports his observations on the imperfect flowers of Viola and Oxalis.

Acknowledges receipt of £235 7s. 9d.

Thanks JS for abstract of orchid sterility paper from Edinburgh Courant. His case of individual sterility will be of highest use to CD. Criticises JS’s writing. Points out weaknesses in the organisation of his argument and the use of inflated, imprecise language.

No summary available.

Would like his views on an actinometrical scheme. Has been busy over the affairs of the late Sir James C. Ross.

Is grateful for JH's notice of his ideas. Outlines his ideas for an actinometer.

Grateful for the efforts of JH and his fellow astronomers in England for the continuation of TM's pension. Busy unpacking valuable library of Sir George Grey presented to the Cape. Details of his recent observations of stars. Weather has been bad. Surface of the object glass of transit circle is badly corroded. Sailor son is well again.