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.

Is trying to determine conditions governing whether or not a salmon will rise for a fly.

Has heard that book by Alphonse M[ilne]-Edwards [? Recherches anatomiques et paléontologiques, 4 vols. (1867–71)] is excellent.

Asks when horns appear on young male fallow deer.

Answer to CD’s query as to whether horns on deer are for use or ornament. [See Descent 2: 252–3.]

Sends a paper on reproductive modes of Leptodera ["Organisation und Fortpflanzen von Leptodera", Schr. Ges. Beförd. Naturw. Marburg (1869)].

Criticises Ernst Haeckel’s work as too unripe and enthusiastic.

Asks CD for some specimens of cirripedes in pupal stage for a work in progress.

Believes Portuguese habit of removing tails of pointers is responsible for birth of some tailless dogs.

On development of horns in fawns of fallow deer.

Thanks JP for his book Vesuvius [1869].

Thanks CC for two memoirs [see 6575. The other was possibly "Die Cypris-ähnliche Larve der Cirripedien", Schr. Ges. Beförd Naturw. Marburg (1869)].

Haeckel is too enthusiastic and too bold in drawing conclusions.

CD sees no reason to add to what he says on isolation, in new edition of Origin.

Lists specimens he has available for CC’s intended study of metamorphoses of Lepas.