Writes a sentence with which to preface B. G. Wilder’s letter [see 12726]. [Not used by and, perhaps, not sent to Nature.]

Grieved to hear of John Scott’s death.

Could GK visit Down?

Rejoices at good news. Will let T. H. Farrer hear the result. Cannot see why some of new varieties should not endure fungus-proof for years.

Glad GK will come. But cannot talk long to anyone.

Asks her to look for worm-castings in heath. Thinks heath conditions may be unfavourable. CD is sure Lucy would look with her, from her well-known affection for worms. Asks what sort of lantern Lucy used.

Discusses how fruits of lime-trees arranged themselves in a ripple-like way on a flooded walk.

Questions BP & Co. on notices requesting the payment of rent charges.

Comments on STP’s article on women ["Evolution and female education", Nature 22 (1880): 485–6].

"Your secret shall be inviolable, and to make sure in case of my illness or death I have now burnt your letter."

Wishes JT success in commercial venture.

Has talked to Lubbock and Huxley about pension for Wallace. Asks for help in getting information about Wallace’s circumstances.

Discusses matters relating to Great Western Railway Company stock.

Thanks for information about Wallace. Is preparing memorial to be submitted to Government [seeking pension for Wallace].

Comments on DM’s ["The Moel-Tryfan shelly deposits", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 37 (1881): 351–69].

Comments on cause of earthquakes.

Believes formation of ice lowered level of sea.

Comments on her new book [Life and her children (1880)]. "… you have treated evolution with much dexterity and truthfulness".

Glad GHD goes on with ripple-marks; if he makes out a theory of ripples, they might give important information about the most ancient deposits.

CD has been wonderfully glorified in the Times [review of Movement in plants, 20 Nov 1880].

Thanks SH for her kind letter; would like to see her again.

Admires Wallace’s Island life.

Criticises: 1. His view of similar plants on distant mountains – CD prefers previous low-land connections to Wallace’s summit–summit dispersal;

2. Source of warmth for ancient Arctic climate;

3. Origin of S. Australian flora.

CD’s favourite cases in Movement in plants.

Discusses GHD’s ripple theory. Asks him how they are formed.

Delighted to hear that light is dawning in GHD’s eyes on the planetary system.

Asks WED to observe whether worms consistently draw acacia leaves into their burrows with a particular end first.

Will soon know whether he will need worm-castings from Beaulieu.

Asks GEM to thank La Scuola Italica for the honour conferred upon him.