Gladstone’s private secretary [West] has written that the Government plans to alter JDH’s position with regard to the First Commissioner of Works [Ayrton].

Huxley is not better after his Brighton trip.

Worm action at Stonehenge.

The difficulties of incorporating the reorganised chapters of the 6th English edition of Origin into JJM’s translation, which was made from the 5th edition.

Heartily glad about the news of the Ayrton affair development.

Huxley looks very unwell from too much miscellaneous work; CD wishes he could be made a Director General for transference of British Museum and for other scientific work, as JDH suggests.

Thanks for letter [8137]. Finds observation at Stonehenge of depth of mould at different parts of slope "most valuable".

Further details and measurements of the stones in the courtyard pavement for CD’s investigation of earthworm action.

Sends comments on his diagram of Stonehenge. Will go to Beaulieu.

Was unaware that chapter headings [of Origin] had been printed off [in French edition (1873)]. Suggests that new part of chapter 7 be printed as appendix.

Sends his reply to Huxley’s criticisms [Contemp. Rev. 19 (1872): 168–97].

Asks her to probe worm-holes on grassy slopes with a knitting needle to ascertain whether they come out at right angles to the slope or to the horizon.

Feels that StGJM’s review of Descent [Q. Rev. 131 (1871): 47–90] greatly misrepresents CD’s opinions and conclusions. Feels their differences of opinion are so great that discussion of almost any subject would be a waste of both their time.

Praises MT’s observations and asks her to repeat experiments on the the relation of sexes of butterflies to the nutrition of the larvae.

Is glad she will publish her observations on Drosera.

Asks FD questions about his sketch [missing] of ridges and furrows. [FD’s answers are interlined.]

As a man of science, StGM has no choice but to pursue what he sees as the truth. Will happily admit he has misrepresented CD if CD will disclaim the position that StGM attacks.

Wishes their correspondence regarding their differences to be dropped, as CD feels that nothing he could say would have any influence on StGJM.

Declines to join movement; has not sufficiently considered subject.

CD is grateful for the eulogy in Index [no. 104]. Many would disagree. It is the fashion to say he is a good observer with "an utterly illogical mind".

Requests printing of diagram for new [6th] edition of Origin. Thinks 6s may be too dear for a cheap edition.

Dallas has done an excellent glossary.

Thanks WED for checking through the proofs of a new [6th] edition of Origin.

Agrees to close their correspondence. Defends his position against criticisms of Huxley and Chauncey Wright; assures CD of his continuing friendly feelings.