Discusses possible English translation of A. E. Brehm’s [Illustrirtes] Thierleben [1864–9].

Asks for permission to use 15 of Brehm’s illustrations [in Descent].

CD writes in detail about difficulties with Horsman’s financial accounts and the affairs of the parish.

CD thanks JJW for letter about the crimson breast of linnets

and the fate of a pugnacious female bullfinch.

Refers to JJW’s pointing out the number of Jenners and Weirs who have been naturalists, and cites some writings by men of those families about striking cases of birds.

Comments favourably, though often differing, on articles by G. H. Lewes.

Discusses claim of Agassiz [in A journey in Brazil (1868)] that he found evidence of glaciers in Brazil. Suggests sponsoring an expedition to test these claims.

Thanks TCE for copy of his book [Osteologia avium (1867)].

Recalls visits to Eyton.

Thanks GHKT and S. O. Glenie for information about fowls.

Surprised and pleased JBI liked his "big book" [Variation].

Luckily, naturalists do not seem to think he has committed suicide with the work.

CD wants to turn over the school accounts to John Robinson [curate of Down]. Writes of other parish news.

Will vote in person for Sir John Lubbock.

Asks about the differences in colour of plumage of adult male, female, and young birds. Suggests pile game as subject.

Asks about relative proportion of sexes in ducks and fowls.

Sends addition to T. H. Farrer’s [Lobelia] paper [Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 4th ser. 2 (1868): 255–63].

Thanks CWN for specimen. CD has sent it to Hooker for examination.

Asks him to thank E. L. Layard for trouble taken.

Says Zoological Society "very foolishly" wants no specimens of domestic varieties [from Ceylon].

Thanks KvS for information about expression.

Encloses Queries about expression.

Acknowledges receipt of book and manuscript.

Thanks WDF for information about sheep and cattle.

Mentions corrections for new edition of Origin [5th ed. (1869)].

Has received JBI’s two letters; agrees with him, but does not know what to do about [the alleged misconduct of] John Robinson. Reports in a long postscript on vain efforts to confirm rumours. Suggests JBI come to Down to see how affairs stand.

Discusses experiments in breeding fowls.

Comments on letter from S. O. Glenie [see 6440] concerning the eyes of trumpeting elephants.

CD cannot remember whether correspondent believed the wing that Gallus bankiva opens and scrapes before the female, is ornamented. He fears it is not.

Thanks WWR for information in answer to his queries concerning expression.

Asks when horns first appear among a breed of sheep on the Guinea coast,

and for information about the gorilla and chimpanzee.

Asks about African ideas of beauty.

Invites JJW to visit Down. Will try to get A. R. Wallace and H. W. Bates also.