Drosophyllum plants recovering [from trip]. Describes experiments on them.

Testimonial letter for GRW for position at British Museum.

Congratulates GRW on appointment to position at British Museum.

Comments on GRW’s paper [Rep. BAAS (1843): 65–7; Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 12 (1843): 399–412]. CD says by "link" between any two groups he never understood a half-way link, merely one in a long series. Observes that one cannot have a simple species intermediate between two great families. Criticises GRW’s use of circles to represent groups, which leads to thinking that groups are of equal value.

Is pleased to hear that the translator for the Dutch edition [of Descent] is a person so well qualified [see 7384]. He encloses a facsimile of the title page. Reports arrangements with John Murray.

Asks that in the event of his death, Emma should have the sketch of his species theory edited and published. Suggests possible editors, among them Lyell, Edward Forbes, and J. D. Hooker. [CD annotation on cover: "Hooker by far best man to edit my species volume Aug 1854".]

Thanks AGB for "various notes".

Would like to hear his views about the Brahmaea.

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

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.

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

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

Discusses earthworm activity observed in old ploughed fields.

Would like precise details about pouting of English children to add to his information about children of savages.

Asks WED to observe a suppressed yawn.

Asks whether scratching a tickling point makes tears come to his eyes.

Asks WED’s help in acquiring expression photographs and engravings.

Wishes to send Langstaff a copy of his book [Expression], in gratitude for his valuable notes.

HE’s facts about the Mexican ant [Myrmecocystus mexicanus] are "most wonderful & interesting".

A specimen of Machairodus offered for sale by F. J. Muñiz.

Discusses possible publication in England of paper by Muñiz describing the skeleton.

Sends pamphlet on scarlatina in the Pampas.

B. J. Sulivan has just arrived with fossil bones from Patagonia. Wants to arrange meeting.

Honoured by offer of medal from Chester Natural History Society, but if he is expected to attend in person to receive it he regrets he must decline. Asks TMH to decide for him.

CD is sorry for the trouble TMH has had. Fully approves of the rule [that the medal be awarded to a local worker?]. The knowledge that the Chester Natural History Society wished to honour him is the real gratification, which he will never forget.