CD’s letter [7922] was very sweet to her, and if her marriage [to Richard B. Litchfield] can be half as perfect as CD’s she will be very happy.

Richard’s German fails in communicating with washerwomen.

Replies to CD’s queries about the homologies of the avicularian and vibracular organs of Polyzoa and gives examples of gradations between the two.

Writes to check on stock certificates received.

Discusses exchange of books.

CD is interested in the gradation of character in the lamellae of the beaks of ducks. He finds that they are less developed or prominent in the common duck and goose than in true ducks. Is OS able to provide him with any information on this subject?

CW’s pamphlet [Darwinism (1871)] nearly ready. Friends have been much struck by it but say several passages rather obscure.

Glad CW coming to England. Will be delighted to see him at Down.

Thanks for facts relating to inheritance.

Sees mistake he made on certificates; will make list for future use.

Prefers W. C. Wells’s explanation of the formation of the Nehro type to CD’s sexual selection.

Outlines his view of the origin of man by natural selection.

CD plans to use notes provided by GB. [See Origin, 6th ed., p. 193.]

Is turning to experiments with rats, "Siamesed together" for cross-circulation.

Location of stock certificates.

Arrangements for distribution and review of pamphlet [Chauncey Wright’s Darwinism: being an examination of Mr St. G. J. Mivart’s "Genesis of species" (1871)], which CD had reprinted at his own expense.

Obliged for letter about appendages on faces of goats.

Requests CD’s autograph.

Sends photograph of an emblem, which he uses as his personal symbol: "Moleshott, Büchner, Darwin: Scienza e Natura, Forza e Materia".

Buys ten shares in the Artizans, Labourers, & General Dwellings Co.

CD questions ADB on the mode of feeding of geese and on the existence of variations in the structure of the bill; is trying to trace gradations in structure and habits.

His mother very ill.

Mrs Hooker back from Bavaria.

Hopes marriage [of Henrietta] went well. Is accused of saying he would rather go to two burials than one marriage.

Has heard from Huxley who is threatening to "thin out" Mivart. Huxley is reading Francisco Suarez and finds Mivart misquotes or misunderstands him.

Georgina [Tollet?] is eager to see a copy of Chauncey Wright’s pamphlet [Darwinism (1871)].

Believes CD will not consider him a good Darwinian since he accepts natural selection only as a secondary law.