Encloses a letter to be prefixed to JJM’s translation of the Origin.

Expresses his satisfaction that JJM has undertaken the translation [of a fourth French edition] of Origin. Urges the use of the sixth English edition so as to include corrections and additions.

His interest in influencing the eminent men of science in France.

Thanks AD for his article in Das Ausland ["Englische Kritiker und Anti-Kritiker über den Darwinismus", 49 (1871): 1153–7].

Mivart’s book [Genesis of species], which misinterprets CD’s views, has produced a great effect in England.

He has answered the point about incipient structures being useless in new [6th] edition of Origin.

His Descent has had immense circulation, but has met with approval of hardly any naturalists. He supposes it was a mistake to publish it, but it will pave way for a better work.

Comments on FH’s paper ["Verbreitungsmittel der Compositenfrüchte", Bot. Ztg. 30 (1872): 1–14].

Discusses function of mucus filaments on seeds of Compositae and other plants.

Comments on Eugen Askenasy’s publication [Beiträge zur Kritik der Darwin’schen Lehre (1872)].

Comments on evolutionary views of Carl Nägeli.

Sends 6th ed. of Origin;

draws attention to his criticism of ARW’s estimate of Kovalevsky;

mentions his disagreement with much of Spencer’s doctrine

and in a postscript points out an inaccuracy in an article in Once a Month.

"Be so good as the send receipt to above address".

Thanks for a quarto work on the mining industry. CD’s sons much obliged for kindness in California.

Asks to have copy of Origin [6th ed.] sent to the Pall Mall Gazette for review with Mivart’s Genesis [of species (1871)].

Suggests a visit to Kew to see the hot houses the following Sunday.

David Forbes thinks WED’s chalk samples have been penetrated by surface mud.

Asks for the negative and permission to publish photo of smiling girl. [Expression, p. 202, plate III, fig. 2.]

Wants AR to make any observations she can on the occurrence of little ledges on the side of steep, turf-covered slopes. Feels they may result from the washing down of worm-castings.

Has read correspondent’s work. Glad he is not shocked at belief that man is descendant of lower form. An unusual attitude for a Frenchman.

Fears they differ greatly on origins of moral sense.

Asks AWB for a reference to a paper;

thanks him for his generous review of the last edition [6th] of the Origin.

Glad AW’s eyesight is better.

Has received AW’s essay [Einfluss der Isolierung (1872)].

Glad he is turning attention to sexual selection. Hardly any naturalists agree with CD on subject.

CD is vexed to hear that some of his friends and some booksellers complain of the type of the new [6th] edition of Origin. CD, whose eyesight is not good, had no trouble reading proofs.

Thanks for facts about ducks.

Thinks TCE will be converted to principle of evolution if he continues testing facts for and against it. Natural selection is another question.

Offers to send German editions of his works when he return home.

Acknowledges payment from sale of his books.

Has received GCW’s negative from the Heliotype Co. Thanks him for the beautiful work of art which, however, will make others on the same plate look ugly. [See Expression, pl. III, fig. 2.]

CD has lost his reference to cross between gold and silver pheasants.