PAH’s friend, a florist, is repeating CD’s experiments with Dionaea muscipula.

CD’s works stir interest in America.

Bombus mastrucatus, an alpine bee, conforms to his observations that B. terrestris breaks open the flowers of Trifolium pratense. However, in the Alps, B. terrestris does not behave this way.

Gentiana species are adapted to lepidopteran cross-fertilisation.

His research on Orchis maculata.

Discusses effect of disuse of anthers in Salvia officinalis.

Pleased CD can use his observations on Primula elatior.

JDH’s condolences at Amy Darwin’s death.

Describes behaviour of apes and monkeys in presenting coloured hindquarters.

Mentions observations on apes and other mammals. Describes habits of apes and monkeys in presenting hindquarters. Thinks species that present always have colourful hindquarters. Discusses possible exceptions to rule.

JDH again expresses his condolences.

The Glasgow BAAS meeting was good, except for Tait’s shameful attack on Tyndall.

Immensely impressed on Scottish geological and glacial features. Is CD aware that the earth beneath Glen Roy roads was found to contain freshwater diatoms?

Recounts the itinerary of his honeymoon in Scotland.

Describes example of instinctive behaviour in new-born leveret.

Cites experiment in which rabbit breathed vapour of nitrite of amyl.

Suggests that change in terrestrial atmosphere is responsible for evolution from scales to fur or feathers.

Identifies South American fossils in photographs sent by John Van der Weyde.

Sends J. H. Baxter, Statistics, medical and anthropological [2 vols. (1875)]; asks CD’s opinion on correlation of stature with certain types of diseases.

Recommends that CD buy a plot of land.

Can CD send sheets of Cross and self-fertilisation as previously promised? OZ writing article on subject ["Darwin über Kreuzung und Selbstbefruchtung im Pflanzenreiche", Das Ausland (1877)].

German Darwinists preparing a Darwin album with photographs of themselves as gift.

Sorry the corrections were so tedious, and offers to do revises.

Drosera plants grown with insects excluded have developed normally.

He has never observed the straight line flight routes in male humble-bees that CD reports.

His last letter was in error: alpine Bombus terrestris does break into some flowers.

Thanks for papers and letter; has been working in the mornings on teasel.

Sending specimens of Drosera grown without insects.

Would like sheets of Cross and self-fertilisation if it is not already out.

His brother, George, reports from Calcutta a case of a man whose hands are divided like a cow’s foot.

JDH back from his honeymoon.

Finds he has gout, as his father and grandfather had.