Thanks MW for his essay [Die Darwin’sche Theorie und das Migrationsgesetz der Organismen (1868)]. Is highly gratified that MW agrees with him to a considerable extent.

Almost wishes that he could believe in the importance of isolation to the same extent as MW.

Gives Charles Bell’s explanation of the contraction of the orbicularis during screaming and seeks confirmation of his view because the action is "the key-stone of a whole class of expressions". Curious to learn WB’s conclusion in regard to the relation between contraction of the orbicularis and secretion of tears. Notes that voluntary contraction of the orbicularis causes no tears.

Asks for [John?] Smith’s exact count of seeds of the crossed and self-fertilised Victoria water-lily. Similar question on Euryale seed and seedlings.

JDH’s coming [BAAS] Presidential Address.

Thanks Charles Langstaff for his observations relating to expression. Has requested observations on the platysma. Discusses the actions of other facial muscles, especially during crying. [Encloses 5828.]

Submits lists of insects [missing] for correspondent to check whether brightly coloured. Wants to determine whether there is any relation between bright colouring, whether in both sexes or one alone, and an unequal number of males and females.

Asks WED whether Langstaff could make some observations on certain facial muscles in expression.