First six chapters [of Origin, 6th ed.] sent to printer.

Is glad his notes on ducks are useful; would like them back when CD has finished with them as they might help him to put the South American Anatidae in order.

Replies on how Egyptian geese feed in the water; they do not move heads laterally like ducks sifting water; they tear herbage like common geese.

Returns CD’s MS [for Origin 6th ed.] on the defensive organs of the Polyzoa, with his comments.

On visit to Boston was told by N. S. Shaler how habits of rattlesnake are consistent with natural selection. Informs CD, as rattlesnake is considered by some a difficult case for his theory.

Comments on lamellae in Prion. Offers to send specimen for CD to examine.

Sends two papers ["On the physical relations of the new red marl", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 27 (1871): 189–98 and "On the red rocks of England", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 27 (1871): 241–54] bearing on the continuance of generic and specific terrestrial types, in areas of Europe and elsewhere, that lasted from the Upper Silurian to the Lias.

"Like you I have often wondered at the different food of the old and young, as with graminivorous birds feeding their young with insects."

Recommends forthcoming book by John Lubbock [Monograph of the Collembola and Thysanura (1873)].

Thanks ACR for papers.

Glad present situation of our continents has been confirmed.

Wishes ACR would prove his view of origin of Red Sandstones, which many dispute.

JDH’s servant carries his letter to Henry Holland about problems with Ayrton. Suggests servant take CD’s letter to Holland to town and post them at same time. Holland is said to be very intimate friend of Gladstone.

Has written to Henry Holland in strongest terms. Will be surprised and disappointed if he does not accede to JDH’s request.

CD agitated by JDH’s letter. Forgot to say that he heard Henry Holland was going to Turin. Beseeches JDH not to resign. No one could possibly replace him.

JDH has no intention of resigning. Thinks W. E. Gladstone would rather see Ayrton turned out than himself. Gladstone knows JDH has friends who would be troublesome. Only moral and political cowardice of Cabinet keeps Ayrton in office.

Lyell is much altered since autumn.

Has CD read Charles Martins’ paper on the glacial origin of the tourbières of the Jura [Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 42 (1871): 286–308]?

John Scott has an admirable series on horticulture in Bengal ["Notes on horticulture in Bengal", J. Agric. & Hortic. Soc. India 2 (1871) pt 1: 241–96; 3 (1872) pt 1: 1–82].

Seeks HH’s support for Hooker in JDH’s difficulties with A. S. Ayrton and the Ministry of Works [see Nature 6 (1872): 211–16].

Glad CD agrees with his views as much as he does. Not surprised that his red rocks [Red Sandstones] ideas are disputed. The red marls of Auvergne support his inland water theory.

Has read in papers about CD’s forthcoming work [Expression]; sends anecdote about a dog visiting a dentist for relief of a toothache – thus showing "moral courage".

Explains further N. S. Shaler’s view [see 8015] on rattlesnake habits as consistent with natural selection: the rattle attracts rather than alarms its prey.

Sends specimen of Prion.

Discusses beaks of flamingo and other birds.

Comments on function of lamellae.

JF’s indebtedness to Herbert Spencer. [Published version complete.]

Gives possible explanation for retention of horns throughout the winter by female reindeer.

Work on Atlantis.