Showing 81–100 of 135 items
Sends two spikes of Corydalis.
Admits he may have drawn false inference from MTM’s division of peloria into two classes.
Has finished vol. 1 [of Naturalist on the river Amazons]. CD praises book as "best ever published in England".
The review in the Athenæum was cold, as always, and insolent.
After finishing vol. 2 [of Naturalist on the river Amazons], CD still has only praise. Remarks that his family is also enjoying the book. He regrets having finished, since he so enjoyed the descriptions.
Determined to make GRW a geologist. Sends copy of C. Lyell [?Elements of geology (1838)].
Offers letters to Eliza Meteyard for her book [The life of Josiah Wedgwood (1865–6)].
Inquires about body of Porto Santo rabbit which has not arrived.
Asks for information he needs for the German translation [of Coral reefs], including correct titles of reference books and the name of a voyager.
Asks for a letter on the tameness of deer, written by Commander A. Boutakoff to R. I. Murchison and printed in the Journal [J. R. Geogr. Soc. 23 (1853): 93–101].
Would like tabulation of horned beetles if not too troublesome, but would easily settle for general remarks.
On the subject of other species mocking Heliconidae, asks whether full-coloured ones were mocked. Expresses full belief in HWB’s theory.
Encloses a copy of A. R. Wallace’s letter to the Field requesting observations on which caterpillars birds devour.
CD in utter confusion about differences between J. O. Westwood and HWB on division of certain insects. Asks if HWB will homologise certain families for him, telling him which terms would be most generally understood.
Asks also about differences on sound-producing organs of Achetidae Gryllidae.
Requests information on the standard of beauty of savages and on whether the female has any influence in selecting a male.
CD has questions related to colour differences in the sexes of butterflies, especially in relation to HWB’s paper ["On variation in sexes of Argynnis diana", Proc. Entomol. Soc. Philadelphia 4 (1865): 204–7].
Mentions that his MS on Lepidoptera [for Descent] is longer than he intended and the information is four-fifths owed to HWB.
Thanks HWB for answering questions.
The MS on Lepidoptera is almost finished and he is glad HWB will read it; he is fearful of mistakes, not being familiar with the subject.
Lists specimens he wants from Mr Janson, emphasising that he always wants male and female.
He extends an invitation for a Sunday in early June.
Does not think the supposed cow–deer hybrid worth investigating.
John Robinson [the curate at Down] reported to be walking with girls at night.
CD gets so many foolish letters from foolish people he has little heart to write to friends.
Gives Down news.
R. H. Hutton, editor of the Spectator, is a clever man.
CD has been much abused, praised, and chaffed by newspapers lately.
CD’s anxiety about being examined in court if Horsman [former curate at Down] brings suit. He doubts it will happen, but if so will defend himself to utmost.
Has pleasant recollections of his relations with JBI.
CD’s health has been poor.
Appreciates JBI’s letter and his expression of friendship.
In the opinion of a Q.C., Horsman has no case.
Interested in occurrence of hair on backs of weakly children. Asks PBM if he would report particulars of any case he observes during next 6–12 months.
Not surprised that JBI does not agree with him. Many professed naturalists do not. But there has been a great change since publication of Origin, and CD believes agreement on man will come soon, "as far as his corporeal frame is concerned".
Horsman has not been heard from.