Thanks for news about Wallace memorial; excellent names on it give hope of success.

Mentions Alfred Haddon, an acquaintance of hers who might call on CD.

Advises CD to "take no notice of Butler whatever" and gives his reasons.

Has written to Balfour concerning the Butler affair.

Congratulates CD on success of memorial; agrees he should be the one to tell Wallace.

He is buying a portable fire engine, and suggests one is purchased for Down. Wishes to join the Geological Society of London. Is eager to hear Leslie Stephen’s opinion.

Will gladly translate Krause’s letter for Nature; denounces Butler’s book attacking CD.

Thanks CD for the offer of one of his books, which he gratefully accepts.

Thanks for Movement in plants. Praises the terms CD introduces, but criticises CD’s use of the teleological word "purpose".

Outlines his efforts to study the inheritance of characters in his family. F. Galton overemphasises the inheritance of good qualities.

Gives an account of the Syracuse Botanical Club and its activities.

Thanks CD for writing for papers to enter Geological Society. Will return Leslie Stephen’s letter. Has had a severe frost. Emma’s puppy died.

Apologises for his silence when Francis Darwin’s paper was read at the Linnean Society.

AG’s review of Movement in plants [Nation 32 (1881): 17–18].

Further information about the pension with particular thanks to CD for his role.

Discusses his election to the Geological Society, worm researches, GHD’s travels, investments,G J Romanes on Samuel Butler, the snow, politics.

Worm observations.

Discusses possible investments.

Reports his observations on numbers of Rhododendron leaves found buried [by earthworms].

Sends birthday wishes.

Comments on Movement in plants.

Sends System der Ascrapeden [1880].

Describes work on Challenger Medusae.

Comments on success of CD’s theory.

Contemptuous of Samuel Butler.

Has read that Huxley will be Inspector of Fisheries.

When CD visits in spring, he will acquaint him with legalities of Worthing house.

Birthday greetings.

Thinks it best not to reply further to Butler. Has read G. J. Romanes’ article with great pleasure. Romanes is right to ridicule Butler. Quotes passages about Butler from CD letters. Has received letter from F. M. Balfour urging him not to reply to Butler.

Interested in theory of flight machines. Thinks it may be possible to fly by hitching man to large birds. What does CD think?

Recalls gift of book sent to CD.