Tells of his pleasure and surprise at reading JWJ’s article ["Darwin’s ""Geological observations"" ", Nature 15 (1877): 289–90].

Expresses his gratitude for the gift [a birthday album from a number of Dutch scientists]; he cannot imagine a more honourable testimonial.

Thanks for the honour conferred upon him [see 10826]; it is quite beyond his deserts.

Negotiations for loan of drawings [of Lepidoptera] have failed.

CD, who has acted as treasurer of the Down Friendly Club for the last 27 years, urges the members not to dissolve the Club, but to continue it and retain about £1000 of the funds on hand to ensure its safety and ability to give assistance to members when they are ill or invalided, or to provide for their burial when dead.

Replies to some of George Henslow’s criticisms [of Cross and self-fertilisation] made in his article ["Fertilisation of plants", Gard. Chron. n.s. 7 (1877): 203–4].

Thanks OZ for a "magnificent Album".

On Beagle voyage CD believed in permanence of species. Had occasional vague doubts. In autumn of 1836 saw how many facts indicated common descent of species. In 1837 opened notebook to record facts.

CD counters Thiselton-Dyer’s objection to protoplasmic filaments of Dipsacus protruding beyond cell-wall, as Frank’s paper claims, by citing white "blood cells passing through vessels".

Has received Moseley’s collection of photographs.

CD apologises for his burdensome request of Oliver.

Criticises JDH’s notice on Forsythia, which JDH said was dioecious. Forsythia sent to CD from Kew was heterostylous.

Regrets he cannot permit his name to be used to support WSK’s aquarium project. If WSK decides to set up an aquarium solely for scientific purposes he would consider subscribing.

Is "awfully glad" at LD’s appointment [as an instructor at Chatham].

Thinks LD should start reading chemistry "though reading does not do much".

Reports scientific work of George and Frank Darwin.

Thanks GHL for a copy of his Physical basis of mind [1877].

CD regrets not being able to see JDH.

"Frank has sent the cards here."

Has not yet heard from Cambridge. Thinks perhaps they do not intend to give him the degree.

CD does not feel a subscription could be got up to aid correspondent. Sends a cheque for £10.

Thanks GK for the seeds of the Melastomaceae

and skins of the pigeons,

and forwards a note to Dr Scully.

Stripes on animals curious subject for investigation. Not likely to take it up again.

Recommends cutting plant stems under water.

CD has again become interested in "bloom" on plants; requests JDH’s help with seeds and plants.

CD thanks JDH for assistance with "bloom" study.