Thanks GM for offer of observations. Would be interested to know when the horns of merino rams first appear,

and has long wished for living specimens of Drosophyllum.

In Gibraltar he will make notes on merino lambs and Drosophyllum as CD requests.

Criticisms of and suggestions for CD’s draft MS on Nägeli [for Origin, 5th ed.].

Forwards A. McNeill’s letter on deer horns. McNeill wrote portion on deerhounds in William Scrope’s book [The art of deer-stalking (1838)].

Red tape leaves no time for botany.

New ministry laudably attempting economies.

Finds JDH’s comments of utmost value. Answers some questions, and asks new ones. Transmission of variations. Relation of uniformity of structure to natural selection.

Expressions of emotions in Gold Coast tribes.

Differences between males and females in sexual characteristics.

Castrated rams lose horns and manes.

Female members of tribes have no difficulty getting the husbands they want.

Describes Drosophyllum and its habitat.

Replies to CD’s questions. Advice on use of term "morphology". Is much struck by CD’s idea that uniformity of an organ throughout a group implies functional inutility; the paradox of this position for classification.

Dedication of Malay Archipelago to CD.

Comments on scientific papers.

Gives observations on the coincidence of nectar secretion and the opening of the anthers in Aucuba.

Thanks for copy of MS’s book [On molecular and microscopic science, (1869)]. Part on orchids is an excellent summary.

Sends CD another piebald potato and a spray of holly, from Mr Fish, discussed in Gardeners’ Chronicle of 22 Jan [1869, p. 83].

Discusses fertilisation of Aucuba and Polygala.

Forwards reply from [Peter Robertson] head forester for Marquis of Breadalbane on development of horns in Scottish deer.

Response to letter about dedication of Malay Archipelago and several scientific papers.

Changes in 5th ed. of Origin.

Now feels individual differences of paramount importance. Fleeming Jenkin has convinced him about "single variations".

No paradox that unimportant characters are important systematically. This view removes heavy burden from CD’s shoulders. Relief that JDH does not object.

On development of horns in merino sheep. Encloses reports from herdsmen he has approached.

Thanks JO for intending to dedicate his The Andes and the Amazon to him.

The discovery of marine shells high up the Amazons CD finds extremely interesting.

Is assembling apparatus of lenses and reflector to observe flower from opening to first shedding of pollen, and to determine whether fertilisation is by night- or day-feeders.

Will also examine reasons for absence of nectar in Polygala linaria.