Discusses the structure of the human cranium, in particular a find by Cocchi and observations by Canestrini.

"I have always been inclined to think that sparrows were acute & crafty birds, but you certainly show that they are Fools, & if they go on behaving in so idiotic a manner, you will do quite right to expose their conduct in some public Journal!--"

Cambridge University will offer CD an honorary degree.

Offers a supplementary component to sexual selection which CD ignored in Descent: the direct effect of differences in ardour between males and females.

Requests observations on sensitive Mimosa and movements of plants in rain.

Worm-castings.

Received Moritz Wagner’s essays [Das Ausland (May 1875)] and sent him a long letter [10643] disagreeing with his views because they do not explain adaptation.

Thanks for Büchner’s essay [Die Darwin’sche Theorie, 4th ed. (1876)].

Further discussion of structure of abnormal pig’s foot.

Has read a German author’s exposition of CD’s theory.

Believes "missing link" between higher mammals and man consists of a race of "speaking monkeys" – akin to Africans – who pollute blood of better race and impede civilisation.

Stripes on animals curious subject for investigation. Not likely to take it up again.

Recommends cutting plant stems under water.

Is less certain of views in letter of 17 May [10963]. Asserts interest in explaining the presence of "speaking monkeys", which occur in higher as well as lower classes.

Lectured on Darwinism in Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Buffalo, and to 3500 people in New York City.

Despite close friendship with Cope and Hyatt and many explanations by the latter, he cannot understand their views.

Thanks CD for appreciation of his papers.

Will be delighted to see WHF on 26th.

CD elected unanimously as a foreign member of the Dutch Society of Sciences. [See 10970.]

Thanks him for the 9th Report [on the noxious, beneficial, and other insects of the State of Missouri]. "What a pretty illustration of a sub-rudimentary organ is that of the saw-fly!"

CD is gratified that GCR thinks "Sketch of an infant" [Collected papers 2: 191–200] worth publishing. Returns corrected proofs. Assures GCR he took pains to observe carefully.

Asked C. E. Bessey whether Lithospermum longiflorum was dimorphic like its relatives. Encloses CEB’s reply.

Acknowledges election to the Society.

Thanks him for book by Grant Allen [Physiological aesthetics (1877)].

Comments on dispute over spontaneous generation.

The Council [of the Royal Society] will not print Frank Darwin’s paper on Dipsacus [in Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond.].

Mentions GJR’s grafting experiments

and his investigation of spiritualism.

Sends a contribution [£10] to CHD’s fundraising.

CD has again become interested in "bloom" on plants; requests JDH’s help with seeds and plants.