Hopes to be well enough on Friday to see JL.

Several of the family have had influenza.

Masdevallia turns out to be nothing wonderful, "I was merely stupid about it."

Asks for plants for experiments.

Hedysarum and Oxalis sensitiva seeds.

Asks whether Oliver knows of experiments on absorption of poisons by roots.

CD finds he cannot publish this year on Lythrum salicaria; he must make 126 additional crosses!

Asks for odd variations of common potato; he wants to grow a few plants of every variety.

Variation is crawling.

Has had some bad attacks lately.

Sends Nesaea seeds for CD

and stamps for Leonard Darwin.

Distances between Lythrum plants.

Instinct in cats.

Hopes to visit tomorrow if CD is up to it.

Thanks WED for observations on Lythrum.

Discusses family affairs.

Has found Lythrum, and sends some. Wants to know what CD thinks of frog discussion between Sandars and James. Asks CD to send objects for microscope demonstration. Means to go see the London Exhibition again. Has finished reading Orley Farm and returns it.

Difficulties in beginning experiments upon retirement.

Describes his observations on insect pollination of Antirrhinum and the effect of excluding the pollinators.

Has been observing variant forms of Plantago

and comparing local orchids with CD’s observations.

Possibility of an intermediate-styled primrose.

His experiments at Kew and J. B. Lawes’s at Harpenden on deterioration of vegetables and cereals.

In his work on cirripedes [Cirripedia, vol. 1 Lepadidae (1851), pp. 53–5] CD described a particular organ as an "auditory-sac" although he was unable to trace the supposed nerve from it to any ganglion. August Krohn [in "Observations on the development of the Cirripedia", Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 3d ser. 6 (1859): 423–8] concluded that the organ was ovarian. CD supposes that Krohn is correct, but gives further observations that suggest an auditory function. If someone could find ova within the curious organ it would confirm Krohn’s view.

No summary available.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Has had no further communication from JH and would be pleased to receive any further comments if JH has now read the pamphlet more thoroughly.

Does not agree with the conclusion of JG's pamphlet, nor does he think an expedition necessary. Suggests termination of correspondence.

Has been requested by Edward Twisleton of the Public Schools Commission to give evidence in favor of introducing the teaching of the elements of science in schools. Would like to know JH's opinion, and also if he is willing to give evidence.

Has been amused and interested by the paper that JH has sent him. Is sure the world would welcome the pronouncements of JH on the atomic theory.

Brings JH news of AM's recent activity, including another book on climatology.

Expressing thanks for the gift of one of JH's memoirs.

Is giving a lecture on the atmosphere, and wonders if JH has written anywhere on the meteorology of the year 1860.