CD probably advised omitting mention of experiments suggesting that oxlips, cowslips, and primroses could be produced from the seed of a single plant

Leaves for London tomorrow. Hopes to see JDH there or perhaps at Kew, but doubts the latter. He is not strong and has a good deal to do.

Disappointed at not seeing JDH in London.

Asks her to observe whether her dog exposes his teeth when barking and to think of any facts about expression in her birds.

Discusses the Duke of Argyll’s book [Reign of law (1867)].

Cites his own views on diversity of structure and beauty.

Encloses letter from Wallace. Sexual selection: evidence advanced by Wallace.

Discusses correlation of growth.

Comments on article in the North British Review [by Fleeming Jenkin].

Discusses the evidence from physics on the age of the earth.

[Four pages of the final letter are missing, but the draft is complete.]