Thanks CL for his book [The student’s elements of geology (1871)].

Is correcting proofs [of Descent].

Asks Lyell to put a question to CD: "To what far distant origin can the configuration of the skin surface [the symmetrical but different curves] at the last points of the fingers and toes be traced?"

Sends, for signature, a statement approving change in rules of the Leopoldino Academy [Dresden] to be forwarded to CD to sign.

Comments on CL’s Principles of geology, 11th ed.

Discusses natural selection in man.

Comments on migration as a factor in evolution. Suggests pamphlet by August Weismann on the subject [Über den Einfluss der Isolierung (1872)].

Thanks him for interesting letter from a Mr Wood on heredity in fruit-trees.

Comments on enclosed discussion of S. American geology by Agassiz. Mentions elevation of Patagonia and glaciation.

Hopes that Charles Lyell has enjoyed his excursion.

Arranges a visit to CL.

Offers condolences on the death of CL’s wife.

Thanks CL for copy of Antiquity of man [4th ed. (1873)]; will read the modified or new parts.

Thanks for the extract from the American paper.

Discusses apple specimens received from CL; reversion to crab state. Cites passage on subject in Variation.

Comments on letter from Mr Wood on inheritance in fruit-trees.

Would like to cross flowers of "Hawthornden" with many distinct varieties.

Returns CD’s books and discusses apples and Crags at Sudbury.

Sends proofs of pages on shells with revised species names. Discusses Crag Moll, Sutton and Butley Red Grag, and Scrobicularia beds. Son asks him to thank Lyell for extract from Darwin’s book.

The coral-reef book has been invaluable [J. D. Dana, Corals and coral islands (1872); used by CD in Coral reefs, 2d ed. (1874)].

Thanks for Saturday Review.

Comments on CL’s planned bequest to science. CD would do the same if he had fewer sons.

Discusses belief in immortality and a personal God.

Describes his holiday in Southampton.

Comments on papers of John Wesley Judd.

Discusses paper on volcanoes by J. W. Judd.

Comments on volcanoes of the S. American Cordillera.

Mentions paper by T. F. Jamieson ["Glacial period in N. Britain", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 30 (1874): 317–18].

Marked "Private" giving notice of there being insufficient funds from the Treasury to pay for a Director of the Bethnal Green Museum. Also giving indication of the Museum's likely future away from Natural History.