Asks SHV about nature of granular matter formed in root cells of Euphorbia peplus which have been placed in solution of ammonium carbonate.

Interested in the fossil scorpions found by AG in the Lower Carboniferous strata of Scotland. Hopes further searches will yield more land animals and offers to subscribe funds to such a search if it falls outside the Geological Survey’s work.

Thanks SHV for his letter [13455] in answer to his questions about the action of ammonium carbonate on the root cells of Euphorbia peplus. Suggests further observations.

Has read J. Sachs [Textbook of botany, English translation (1875)] and H. A. De Bary [Vergleichende Anatomie (1877)] on milk-tubes. He believes that tubes he has observed in germinating roots of Euphorbia myrsinites are modified milk tubes. Will send a paper on the subject to the Linnean Society.

Discusses additional printing of Earthworms.

Cannot explain worm behaviour observed by AEG. Cannot believe in power of vision. Inclined to speculate on capacity for distinguishing damp air.

Comments on two letters received from W. F. P. Pfeffer [13425, 13464] who thinks Julius Wiesner’s view that light, etc. acts directly on plants is wrong.

Is frantic over the number of letters received about worms; feels the enthusiasm of the reception of Earthworms is laughable.

Is confounded by Euphorbia rootlets and has re-examined the effect of carbonate of ammonia.

Has thought of three good experiments to oppose Wiesner.

Forwards a letter from W. F. P. Pfeffer, who opposes some of Julius Wiesner’s notions on plant movements.

More observations of the radicles of germinating seeds of Euphorbia peplus for appearance of milk-tubes.

Comments on J. v. Wiesner’s and W. F. P. Pfeffer’s views and criticism of his experiments.

Tremendously interested by GHD’s news [about the Plumian Professorship at Cambridge]. Suggests he get William Thomson to write to the electors.

Wishes to contribute to subscription to pay legal expenses of David Ferrier [in vivisection prosecution].

Comments on physiological papers.

Cannot read signature on letter sent via JDH from Lima.

Must refuse WCM’s request to revise E. Ray Lankester's testimonial.

Writes to ask how much he should subscribe to fund for David Ferrier.

Rows of cells with granular matter following treatment with carbonate of ammonia also found in white and young rootlets of common zonal Pelargonium. Differs slightly from Euphorbia in that 2, 3, 4, or 5 rows often adjoin. CD wrong in supposing that these rows of cells were connected with lacticiferous ducts ("milk-tubes"). Root hairs arise exclusively from rows of cells without brownish granular matter. It appears that certain rows of cells with hairs are absorbent and store matter of some kind. This is a new view of the structure and function of rootlets. Francis Darwin will soon set up the salt solution to make the experiment SHV recommends.

Discusses milk ducts in Euphorbia [spurge].

Last issue of Nature has made him "awfully proud". [See R. S. Ball, "A glimpse through the corridors of time", Nature 25 (1881): 79–82.]

Describes experiment in which Euphorbia and Drosophyllum roots were exposed to ammonium carbonate solution. Asks SHV’s opinion.

Draft letter for Francis Darwin to write to JCC thanking him for the soil specimen.