Errata in first edition of Insectivorous plants.
Errata in first edition of Insectivorous plants.
Obliged for his memoir ["On the avifauna of the Galapagos", Trans. Zool. Soc. (April 1875)]. His surprise that the birds from the different islands prove so similar. Comparison of the habits, nests, eggs of the commonest species of each island would throw a flood of light upon variation.
Thanks for articles about moths sucking oranges.
Sends a moth from Queensland, Australia. The sender says a large number have been caught with proboscises embedded in oranges. CD interested as having a bearing on his Orchis work. Can AGB name the family and any closely allied English genus? The proboscis seems an extraordinary structure [see F. Darwin, "On the structure of the proboscis of Ophideres fullonica", Q. J. Microsc. Sci. n.s. 15 (1875): 384–9].
"The moth is rightly named Ophideres Fullonica." Gives its range, family, allied European and British species, etc.
Responds to FJC’s criticism regarding "aggregation" as it occurs in protoplasm [see 10131].
The two volumes of Variation [2d ed.] are unequal in size. Can CD reduce vol. 2 and increase vol. 1?
Does CD wish to publish Climbing plants [2d ed.] at once?
R. Cooke has complained about the size of paper on which proofs are printed. He does not know that CD requested a larger size. Asks CD what should be done.
Explains that the plant is not consuming the flies, but that they die becasue they get stuck in the flowers when fertilising them.
Clarifies his thoughts on "aggregation" in Drosera.
On publishing details of Variation [2d ed.].
CD mortified and annoyed to hear that RC has complained to Messrs Clowes of the extra expense because proofs for Climbing plants were put on wider paper at CD’s request.
Apologises for the annoyance caused about the size of proof paper. Clears up misunderstanding. As for Climbing plants, RC thinks no less than 1500 copies of a book by CD should be printed.
Has read RF’s pamphlet on New Zealand [Remarks on New Zealand (1846)]. Sympathises with his difficulties as Governor.
Reports a competition between the air roots of two varieties of grapevines. The victor changed the flavour and shape of the loser’s fruit.
Sends copy of his "Address [to the department of anthropology", Rep. BAAS 45 (1875): 142–56].
Notes criticism of remark by Walter Bagehot dealing with extinction of barbarians [cited in Descent 1: 239].
Sends a copy of his book [The royal tiger of Bengal (1875)].
Cannot believe in possibility that the duck is a hybrid, but correlation accords with some other facts.
Requests specimens of berries and more information about the Madresfield Court vine.
Regrets he will not return home in time to see WDW.
Thanks JF for his book.
At present has no observations he wishes made in India.
Reports on health [of unidentified woman].
EAD will not think of coming to Down until their return.