Thanks for specimens [of insects].

Wonders whether difference between male and female plays part in fertilisation of fig.

Flowers of Oxalis sensitiva, sent long ago, are trimorphic and cleistogamic.

Had found out his error [use of "cleistogenous" for "cleistogamous" in Cross and self-fertilisation] some timeago.

Is now writing on cleistogamic flowers [for Forms of flowers (1877)], and, with it, will have worked up all his old materials on plants. JVC will then have a rest from his labours of translation.

Proposes to construct an aquarium on Jersey and wants to use CD’s name in support of the project.

Thanks for the reviews, particularly the one in the Times.

CD will be pleased to receive Mr Wallace.

Regrets he cannot permit his name to be used to support WSK’s aquarium project. If WSK decides to set up an aquarium solely for scientific purposes he would consider subscribing.

Lithospermum longiflorum has cleistogamous flowers and, unlike other species of genus, it is not dimorphic.

Sends autograph as requested.

Is "awfully glad" at LD’s appointment [as an instructor at Chatham].

Thinks LD should start reading chemistry "though reading does not do much".

Reports scientific work of George and Frank Darwin.

Wishes to bring CD his trained cockatoo.

Is pleased that CD agrees with HM’s suggestions and criticisms of CD’s work. Will undertake experiments with Viola tricolor seeds to see if they produce both large- and small-flowered plants.

"Charles Darwin Down, Kent April 2d. 1877; With Mr Darwin’s compliments. – "

Staying with W. D. Fox on the Isle of Wight. Offers to find Pulmonaria plants.

Reports on upward projection of Pulmonaria flowers.

Arrangements about a purchase of land.

Notes on competition among tree species in South Wales.

In the name of a student science club, asks whether CD’s theory of evolution applies to mental as well as physical characteristics of men and animals. Asks whether animals have free-will like humans. Do animals have a sense that humans lack?

Sends MS [of Forms of flowers]. Since sale is likely to be small, Murray may not want to publish it on usual terms. CD thinks it may be his last book and asks Murray to publish it on most favourable terms he can afford.

JM will be pleased to publish the new work [Forms of flowers] on the usual terms. MS has been sent to the printer.

Comments on various species of Lagerstroemia.

In the series of opium poppy intercrosses made at CD’s suggestion, JS has learned that the reason they failed to intercross was the absence of insects at the period of their flowering.

CD made a Foreign Member of the Zeeland Scientific Society at Middelburg.