Thanks for HNM’s [Notes by a naturalist on the "Challenger" (1879)].

Respects Leopold Würtenberger’s work. Will initiate inquiry if CD wishes. LW’s work suffers from his limited circumstances. Will assist him if he asks.

Mentions his own forthcoming work ["Zur Kenntniss der Fauna des untersten Lias in den Nordalpen", Abh. K.-K. Geol. Reichsanst. 7 (1874–82), vol. 5].

Has lately found frog that has eggs on its back.

Pupae of caddis-flies living on rocks have lost fringe of hairs on their feet. In species that live in the water these are used for swimming.

Thanks CD for accepting dedication.

Asks CD to support his candidacy for position as Registrar of the University of London by talking to Sir John Lubbock, one of the most influential members of the Senate.

Orders a sheet of gold-beater’s skin for plant experiments.

Acknowledges receipt of diploma.

Suggests references that might answer CD’s [unidentified] request for information about coral islands.

Has told John Lubbock how highly he thinks of HNM’s work, and has heard that HMN’s claims will be fully considered.

Has offered Leopold Würtenberger money to aid in his work.

Movements in Oxalis.

F. Galton and others suggest that he go in for Fellowship [of Royal Society]. Asks that CD propose him. If he is unable to do so HWB will not be hurt to wait another year.

Oxalis seeds incorrectly named. H. N. Moseley says pigeons in Malaya eject seeds fit for germination.

It will give CD real pleasure to propose HWB for F.R.S. Asks that he send him the necessary information for the certificate as well as a list of men he would like to sign it. He should not be disappointed if not elected first time. [Bates elected F.R.S. 2 June 1881.]

Thanks for CD’s interest in his paper on plant movements ["Über die Ursachen der periodischer Bewegungen der Blumen und Laubblätter", Flora 56 (1873): 433–41, 449–55]. AFB concentrated on clear cases, though he knows there are others.

Experiments on function of movement: Mimosa leaves, held so they cannot move, die.

Thanks CD for gift to support his research.

Comments on EM’s work in Dolomites [Die Dolomit-Riffe von Südtirol (1879)]. Had wondered whether ancient corals formed reefs.

Obliged for EM’s photograph. Sends his own.

Declines to sign petition concerning Professorship of Pathology at Cambridge.

Encloses Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, with account of a fungus that exhales chlorine;

relates his discovery in 1852 of a flowering plant that had "perfectly formed beetles" in the place of anthers.

Birthday wishes.

Statement of U.S. sales of CD’s works.