Thanks for note and enclosure. Has written to [David?] Landsborough to say dried specimen was just what he wanted. Would like some more in spirits.

Very unwell.

Unable to accept invitation.

Looked at leaves and saw no sign that animal matter was absorbed. Believes insects were caught only accidentally.

Is obliged for the note about Wallis Nash’s death, but he has since heard that the report was false.

Thanks correspondent for lecture tickets, but regrets he will be unable to attend.

Thanks correspondent for writing, "but such malconformations, as you mention, are not very rare & therefore do not possess much novelty".

CD sends thanks for further instructions for making a solution, which will be followed as soon as Francis [Darwin] returns.

Answers correspondent’s questions on his birth date and when he began work on origin of species.

Refers correspondent to Descent for some information on marriage arrangements, and on the mental and moral nature of monkeys.

Thanks correspondent for sending paper on molluscs.

Asks what to do with [unspecified] receipt.

Thanks for note and plant specimen. Will take care of it for his own sake and Kew’s.

Thanks correspondent for information on a plant. It is too late for his present work.

Fly adheres to ceiling by viscid matter on feet. Refers correspondent to B. T. Lowne, Anatomy and physiology of the blow-fly (1870).

Encloses a letter from his son G. H. Darwin and another from his son Francis Darwin.

Declines an invitation to write for an unidentified periodical. "I am unable to write short articles in an interesting manner, & they would consume much of my time."

Asks him to deliver two or three feet of linoleum.

Has resolved never to write for periodicals.

Sends copies of Variation, Descent, and Journal of researches from "the library of my late brother".

Thanks for letter and promise to send pamphlet.

"Earthworms are hermaphrodite, but two must unite & both produce eggs.–– I have seen hundreds coupled, early in the morning & occasionally during the night.––"