Expresses his delight with and admiration for THH’s "Coming of age [of The origin of species]" in Nature [22 (1880): 1–4].

Thanks for information.

Forwards John Lubbock’s letter and hopes WED might influence the men "for the sake of science".

Cannot offer any assistance in urging Government to aid JT’s experiments. Thinks best chance through [William Edward?] Forster. William Carruthers reported to Royal Agricultural Society that JT’s attempt was hopeless.

Cannot precisely explain conditions of existence of any organism.

Discusses ethics of risking one’s life to save another.

Discusses GHD’s genealogical researches

and his health.