CD subscribes an additional £10.

Comments on action of eyes in a person lost in meditation. Asks about Charles Bell’s explanation [in Anatomy of expression (1806, 1844)].

Delighted to have cloud of darkness removed by CW’s paper on phyllotaxy [Mem. Am. Acad. Arts & Sci. n.s. 9 (1867–73): 379–415].

Has heard that Mivart will answer CW’s pamphlet [Darwinism (1871)].

Thanks correspondent for an interesting paper [unspecified] and his kind remarks about CD’s work.

CD had forgotten Auguste Comte’s "striking observations" on relations of man to lower animals.

Orders books: J. R. Leifchild, The higher ministry of nature (1872);

Hermann Müller, The application of the Darwinian theory to flowers [(1872?), reprint from Am. Nat. 5 (1871): 271–97];

and a review by J. B. Hunter.

Thanks FCD for suggested deletions in MS of Expression. Declines offer from FCD to examine proofs also.

Comments on CL’s Principles of geology, 11th ed.

Discusses natural selection in man.

Comments on migration as a factor in evolution. Suggests pamphlet by August Weismann on the subject [Über den Einfluss der Isolierung (1872)].

Discusses books about cats and crosses in cats. Thanks her for her book on cats.

CW’s article responding to Mivart [see 8351] on the fixity of species is very clear.

On evolution of language, CD doubts W. D. Whitney’s claim that changes are effected by the will of man. Asks CW when a thing may properly be said to be so effected.

Agrees to read paper; warns he lacks mathematical knowledge.

Comments on enclosed discussion of S. American geology by Agassiz. Mentions elevation of Patagonia and glaciation.

Is correcting proofs for Expression.

Family news.

Invites JTG to visit.

Mentions visit from F. C. Donders.

Thanks recipient for information about eye colour of his shepherd dogs.

Discusses a paper JTG wanted to read at a BAAS meeting.

Acknowledges receipt of cheque.

CD thanks CW for long, interesting letter; hopes the ideas will be worked into an essay some day.

Suggests dates for a proposed visit and gives instructions for reaching Down.

Recommends J. C. Houzeau’s Études sur les facultés mentales des animaux [1872].

Was glad to make CW’s acquaintance.

Asks about possible animal substances in samples of Belladonna and Digitalis.