Because CD has been unwell, he has not read RLT’s paper carefully, but it seems an important contribution to science. Hopes RLT’s chemical observations will be confirmed. It seems a great anomaly that two substances with an acid should be requisite for digestion.

Comments on R. L. Tait’s claimed isolation of digestive ferments from Nepenthes.

Abstract sent to the Royal Society. It seems to CD "uncommonly clear and well-done".

Acknowledges QS’s letter [10280f] and the diploma of the Accademia dei Lincei.

A letter of congratulation to Thomas Carlyle on his 80th birthday signed by CD and 118 others; to accompany the gift of a commemorative medal.

Comments on AW’s essay [on "Axolotl", Z. Wiss. Zool. 25 (suppl.) (1875): 297–342] with respect to evolutionary reversion. Peloric flowers must also be considered reversion.

Snow has caused postponement of trip to London. Will inform WR when he arrives.

CD has signed James Croll’s certificate [of nomination to Royal Society] with real pleasure.

Thanks for a copy of the second edition of Strasburger’s Über Zellbildung und Zelltheilung (On cell formation and cell division; Strasburger 1876b).

Is coming to London. Will call on THH.

Asks JDH to try to come to luncheon if he is in London.

CD is furious at the prospect of Lankester’s being black-balled by the Linnean Society. He plans to solicit support from various members and to come up with Frank for the voting.

Strongly disapproves of the blackballing of Edwin Ray Lankester by the Linnean Society. States the reasons for his disapproval and hopes they will be considered.

Ferdinand Cohn has already sent a copy of his article, [possibly: "Über die Function der Blasen von Aldrovanda und Utricularia", Beitr. Biol. Pflanz. 1 (1870–5) pt 3: 71–89].

Discusses blackballing of E. R. Lankester [at Linnean Society]. Reports on his attempts to persuade other Fellows to support Lankester’s election.

He is "mad about Geology" and plans to ride through Wales in August with a few days at Barmouth.

Some humorous gossip.

Will send his insects and two or three from Henslow.

The Canary scheme takes place next June.

Is grieved WDF thinks him capable of telling falsehoods.

J. D. Hooker has described Capt. King’s Tierra del Fuego plants and CD’s Galapagos plants [in Flora Antarctica, pt 2 (1847)] which have extraordinary interest and novelty.

A malicious person has sent George Grey, Governor of New Zealand, a letter CD had written to J. L. Stokes, containing a derogatory statement likening Grey’s expedition to "a set of school boys".

Arranges to visit AWB.

Suggests skin-grafting experiment on birds.

Discusses case of Edwin Ray Lankester; it has aroused his indignation.