Thanks correspondent for his essay and kind allusions [to Cross and self-fertilisation].

CD is going away and has asked FD to thank GJR for his amusing letter [of 6 June], which CD thinks should be published in Nature. CD thinks the guinea pig theory very probable.

CD thinks there may be something in the ‘veneration’ theory.

All young intelligent French naturalists support CD. But the professors are afraid of being called materialists, atheists, or communists.

A paper of his ["Sur l’origine paléontologique", C. R. Hebd. Acad. Sci. 84 (1877): 534–7] met with silence, except from Bureau. If only France had become Protestant!

Thanks LHM for his Ancient society [1877].

Pleased that a Grace has been submitted to confer on CD an honorary LL.D.; hopes his health will permit him to attend the ceremony.

Has two young friends who wish to call on CD.

Lists the tasks he has completed; sends on letter from Romanes; news of Bernard.

Asks FD to forward some eczema mixture to Southampton for him

and to hunt out notes on earthworm activity at Beaulieu Abbey.

Discusses effects of natural selection. Discusses absence of blending between geographical races as a problem. Discusses effect of natural selection on productivity of an organism.

Comments on GJR’s review of Grant Allen’s book [Physiological aesthetics (1877)].

Cites a misprint in Orchids.

Asks how long Forms of flowers will be, and publication date.

Objects to the passage about the Irish quoted by CD in Descent [1: 174].

Forwards a copy of his book Diseases of women [1877].

The widow of Jules Michelet is seeking donations towards his tomb, and says that he was a great admirer of CD.

JDH has to entertain the Emperor of Brazil [Pedro II], who wants to meet CD.

Thanks RLT for his work, Diseases of women.

CD is also interested by RLT’s letter reporting a cat rearing chickens. "What a wonderful instinct is the maternal one."

Had no intention of pressing CD over Madame Michelet’s fundraising for her husband’s tomb.

CD cannot see the Emperor of Brazil because he is in Southampton, but he sends sincere respects for the Emperor’s role in assisting science.

JDH finds the Emperor, once an energetic man, all used up.

Galton agrees with GJR about rudimentary organs.

GJR’s note referred to possibility of selection acting on organic types as distinguished from individuals.

Thinks Grant Allen has not made out his point [in Physiological aesthetics (1877)], but his fundamental principle probably has much truth.

Forms of flowers will soon be published and is not a long book.

Does not suppose he will publish any more books, "though perhaps a few more papers". He "cannot endure being idle, but Heaven knows whether I am capable of any more good work".

Erratum JVC sent was due to a printer’s error after he had seen last proofs.