JL’s address [Presidential Address, 31 Aug 1881, Rep. BAAS (1881): 1–51] has made him think about important steps in advancing geology. Lists major advances in his lifetime.

Thanks for letter about death of Erasmus Darwin.

Cannot answer question about dotterels.

Praises JDH’s York address.

S. B. J. Skertchly has paralleled Axel Blytt’s work in Cambridgeshire fens.

JDH too cautious on southern glacial period.

Is Kew interested in Azores plants collected by Arruda Furtado, a local inhabitant and an evolutionist?

Has been visiting Anthony Rich, who persists in his intention to leave his property to CD despite the large fortune left by Erasmus. It is now all the more necessary for CD to arrange his own will.

Wishes to draw up a new will; outlines the changes to be made in the provisions.

Discusses financial affairs.

A circular letter on the distribution of his money at death and the division ofErasmus’ estate.

Comte [de Paris] will have plants next summer.

Arruda Furtado will send his mountain plants from Azores.

No frogs or toads are able to live in completely closed holes. Cites experiment by William Buckland.

Division of CW’s share [of E. A. Darwin’s estate]. Investment advice.

Recounts his memories of their mother and of her death. Remembers "her black velvet gown and her work table and the death scene", but cannot remember her face. Remembers that Caroline "always acted like a mother" to him and Catherine.

Although he agrees with the object of HS’s league he will not join until he has seen how it works.

Comments on CVR’s paper [‘Further notes on the pollination of Yucca and on Pronuba and Prodoxus’, Proc. Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci. (1880): 617–39]. ‘What an inaccurate man Mr Thomas Meehan is.’ Interested in further observations on Pronuba.

Knows nothing of AGM’s work and is not personally acquainted with him so he cannot provide a testimonial.