Describes his experiments in fertilising Oncidium flexuosum and comparison with Notylia.

Has been examining Catasetum.

Encloses seeds of two species of Gesneria and describes hairs in the seed capsule. Hairs in other plants seem to have a different function.

Starting tomorrow for a botanical excursion on the Continent.

William Clowes [printer for J. Murray] estimates that Variation will come to a first volume of 648 pages and a second volume of 624 pages – which is too much for volumes the same size as Origin. Murray proposes a larger size.

CD should not be discouraged by the bulk of Variation. CD’s suggestion to print technical details in small type is good.

Murray has sent MS to a "man of letters and good information" as an experiment to test its effect. Has no intention of throwing up publication.

Sends paper on new species of Bonatea, to which he has given the name Darwinii.

Has now an extensive collection of insects.

Has discovered moths whose larva cases resemble perfectly the thorns of the Acacia horrida.

Has asked for the head of a Bushman murderer. Difficult to convince authorities of interest of science.

Has given CD’s queries about expression to W. H. Stirling. Thomas Bridges, the catechist, had previously answered some questions incompletely [see 2643]; BJS forwards them [see Expression].

BJS answers CD’s query about when some calves show their adult colour.

Responds to CD’s criticisms. JDH is sometimes confused as to what he has borrowed from CD.

MS essay "On esculent fruits" [apparently enclosed in a missing letter].

Will introduce Charles Kingsley to CD.

JL’s brother-in-law [Robert Birkbeck] would like a note of introduction to John Murray.

Wynne [gardener] suggests he should be paid from the money from the sale of the Mount, but EAD suggests an annual subscription instead.

Asks CD questions relating to the revised translation of Origin.

His view of CD’s hypothesis that Atlantic island genera are descended from extinct European plants.

Suggests that, in some birds, plumage of males is less colourful than that of females; the reason is that the males perform the duties of incubation [see Descent 2: 204 n.].

Describes progress in preparation of third German edition of the Origin. Asks about use of photograph for edition.

Encloses letter written a week ago. Letter and enclosure speculate on origins of human races in relation to geological and political changes, according to a theory of progressive development.

Was sorry CD wrote so little on man in Origin.

JM will publish [Variation] "coute qui coute", paying CD half the profits.

Thinks he can count on 500 purchases of what he calls the "Pièces Justificatives" of the Origin and will print 750 copies.

His literary friend found it "difficult of digestion".

First portion of Variation MS has been set up. Murray will not decide on number to be printed until he has read a good portion. The agreement applies only to the first edition.

Wants to know whether Variation is published and how the other book [CD’s proposed volume on variation in nature] is going.

Thanks for CD’s letter inquiring about capsules produced by the Maxillaria with larger pods [see 5331]. Gives descriptions of Maxillaria and of the other Vandeae.

Describes Oncidium flexuosum.

Tells of botanical results of recent excursion to the German colony Theresopolis. Brought home fine collection of living orchids.

Has declined Presidency of BAAS.

Relation of insular and continental genera will always be difficult problem.

On Providence and the "continuity theory".