Thanks AA for letter on coral reefs. "I used to think … that areas of elevation and of subsidence must – as a general rule be separated by a single great line of fissure, or rather of several".

Suggests that AA urge again his views on reappearance of old characters.

Glad WB has arrived in Brazil. Suggests study of insects and study of fertilisation in Melastomataceae. Want of books is not a serious evil.

Thanks JD for his book [Australian aborigines (1881)].

Has taken almost all FD’s corrections for chapter six [of Earthworms]. Is glad FD approves of the book.

Has accepted FD’s correction to chapter seven [of Earthworms].

Weather is bad; sky like lead and the lake as black as ink.

Discusses a letter [not found] from R. S. Ball that has quite delighted him.

Describes events at Patterdale.

Describes seeds sent by George Payne [see 13205]. Is surprised that they bury themselves.

CD complains of discomfort, but has not the strength for a project that would let him forget it.

Cheered by JDH’s friendly words.

Wishes he could help JDH with geographical distribution, but the subject has gone out of his mind.

Ernst Haeckel wants to go to Ceylon to examine Medusae and Radiolariae, CD has offered him £100.

Is working on revises of Earthworms.

Has seen a pied flycatcher for the first time.

Comments on FD’s notions about movement of multicellular and unicellular organisms.

Comments on an interesting letter received from J. B. Hannay [see 13222] which leads CD to speculate on the possibility of organisms inhabiting a red hot earth under great pressure.

CD has offered Ernst Haeckel £100 but does not know where to get further aid. Sorry to hear about Du Bois-Reymond, but is not in the least surprised about R. Virchow.