Summarises letter of William Nation [13350]. The facts given strongly support the conclusion that there is some close connection between the parasitic habits of birds that lay their eggs in others’ nests and the fact of their laying eggs at "considerable intervals of time".

"Roots often run down worm burrows, but can penetrate the ground without such aid."

Describes the soil in which he found prehistoric tools.

Thanks CD for his letter and gives permission to use his observations, although not considering himself a worthy authority. Enlarges upon some of his previous observations.

Cannot explain worm behaviour observed by AEG. Cannot believe in power of vision. Inclined to speculate on capacity for distinguishing damp air.

Comments on two letters received from W. F. P. Pfeffer [13425, 13464] who thinks Julius Wiesner’s view that light, etc. acts directly on plants is wrong.

Is frantic over the number of letters received about worms; feels the enthusiasm of the reception of Earthworms is laughable.

Is confounded by Euphorbia rootlets and has re-examined the effect of carbonate of ammonia.

Has thought of three good experiments to oppose Wiesner.

Thanks for Earthworms.

Explains that the animals in the cask cannot have developed from the wheat.

CD has misunderstood his views on heliotropism. Agrees that his experiments on the movement of root tips are weak. Will conduct further research. Thinks that since mechanical conception of botany is not so widespread, those who agree with CD probably are in majority.

Discusses GJR’s controversy with the Duke [of Argyll] concerning Roux’s book [Der Kampf der Theile im Organismus (1881)].

Progress of his and Frank Darwin’s work; "all natural science seems now to depend on section-cutting".

Is experimenting with effect of ammonium carbonate on chlorophyll and roots, but finds the results confusing.

Julius von Wiesner has published a book reinterpreting CD’s observations in Movement in plants [see 13422].

Describes earthworms moving to the surface to escape moles.

Thinks CD overestimates earthworms’ role in creating mould. Gives some observations on worms and questions about their breeding habits.

Thanks CD for offer of assistance in exploration of Eskdale beds. Describes finds of scorpions and unusual amphibians.

Forwards a letter from W. F. P. Pfeffer, who opposes some of Julius Wiesner’s notions on plant movements.

Thanks for two letters from Pfeffer. Will return translation of Pfeffer and send a letter from Elfring. Looking forward to working on "antiWiesner" experiments. Will return on 26th or 27th.

Has read Earthworms.

Wonders if CD has studied gnats; inquires about their apparently useless hovering over one spot for hours.

More observations of the radicles of germinating seeds of Euphorbia peplus for appearance of milk-tubes.

Comments on J. v. Wiesner’s and W. F. P. Pfeffer’s views and criticism of his experiments.

Would be grateful for some Euphorbia species for examination of the roots. "The subject is by no means worth all the labour I am bestowing on it, but I cannot bear to be beaten."