Is infinitely obliged for a correction. "You men who do only or chiefly original work have an immense advantage over compilers like myself, as you can know what to trust." Wishes he had consulted PLS before using A. E. Brehm’s Thierleben woodcuts [for Descent]. PLS’s assistance has saved him from "endless blunders"; he now feels safe.

Depth of furrows in old field.

On sexual selection and the sense of beauty among the W. African Negroes.

Sends his new work, Ulteriori osservazioni sulla dicogomia pt 2, fasc. 1.

Has found no nectar in Orchis morio or O. maculata in Italy and has seen no insects visiting the plants.

Gives his observations on cross- and self-fertilisation in cereals.

More speculations [see 5811] on the evolutionary development of man, relating progress to the consumption of better food and the availability of moist air.

Definite results have been delayed, but he is optimistic.

Appearance and depth of furrows in old field.

Sends quotation about Lycurgus and Spartan exposure of infants who were deemed defective.

Bibliographic references on sense of beauty and morals.

CD has forgotten about S. J. O. Horsman and the church organ and asks for any information that will help him inform his solicitors in connection with a document he has received and encloses. Will not apologise for what he said, but is ignorant of what it was.

Has received (from CD) the sheets of the second volume [of Descent].

He fears he has offended CD or someone in England and he begs to know his offence.

His brother is working at the Red Sea and wishes CD to know that he has evidence for the affinity of ascidians and vertebrates in their nervous systems.

Plans to go to Paris upon its imminent capitulation to help his sister-in-law.

Meeting with CD postponed.

CD’s anxiety about being examined in court if Horsman [former curate at Down] brings suit. He doubts it will happen, but if so will defend himself to utmost.

Has pleasant recollections of his relations with JBI.

Sends ARW advance copy of vol. 1 [of Descent] for his review in Academy. Vol. 2 is delayed by index. "Do not swear at me more than you can help."

Has sent CD his book [Genesis of species (1871)]. Has not said a word in opposition to CD except where his view of the truth necessitated it.

Finished the last proofs of Descent a few days ago. "I shall be well abused."

St George Mivart’s Genesis [of species]: very good, unfortunately theological. Will tell heavily against natural selection but not against evolution, and this is "infinitely more important".

JBI regrets his part in appointments of his successors.

His friendship with CD and its effect on his fellow clerics.

Invites AG to stay at Down. Winwood Reade and, he hopes, Hooker and Robert Swinhoe will be there.

Is obliged for StGJM’s book [On the genesis of species (1871)].

Would not have sent him vol. 1 [of Descent] if he had known that StGJM’s book was already published.

Thanks CD for vol. 1 of Descent. Feels nothing but sympathy and esteem for a writer labouring for the promotion of what he conscientiously believes to be the truth.

Sends enclosure copied from letter of F. C. Donders [7207?] dealing with orbicular muscle. Asks about secretion of tears resulting from spasmodic action of orbicular muscle.