Reports on a luncheon of scientific savants at which the Crown Prince of Germany [and Prince of Wales?] were present.

Responds to JDH’s outline history of plant geography.

Considers Humboldt the "greatest scientific traveller who ever lived".

Discusses the origin and rapid radiation of angiosperms in Cretaceous period.

Comments on importance of work of Alphonse de Candolle, Saporta, Axel Blytt.

Asks the printers that the table of contents [for Earthworms] be done in the same fashion used in his other books. Requests another proof.

Thanks EBA for his book [see 13283]. Has no objection to people differing from him or carrying his arguments further than he would consider safe.

Responds to JDH on history of plant geography.

Opinion of Humboldt.

Origin of higher phanerogams.

Importance of the occurrence of south temperate forms in the Northern Hemisphere.

No one could have thought about evolution and not about representative species; yet no one discussed it fully until Origin, including von Baer.

Did not know of Leopold von Buch’s Description physique des îles Canaries [1836] when Origin was published.

"As far as I know no one ever discussed the meaning of the relation between representative species before I did & as I suppose Wallace did in his paper before the Linn. Soc. [1858]."

The General Post Office sent one penny in response to GHD’s complaint, and demanded a receipt, which CD has sent. CD will keep the penny.

Comments on large orange.

Glad she is going to York [BAAS meeting].

Suggests that GHD employ W. M. Hacon as solicitor for selling E. A. Darwin’s house, rather than Mr Salt’s agents; he remembers that firm as full of odious people.

Erasmus’ death and CD’s sentiments on death.

CD is sorry he bothered GHD about the solicitor, but he boils with indignation to this day when he remembers how rudely he was treated by Mr Salt’s firm in London [40 years earlier].

Thanks him for his letter. "I am not a quick thinker or a good talker and you would learn nothing from me on the many important subjects you have discussed."

Suggests meeting in London in lieu of a visit to Down.