Sends CD "L’applicazione della teoria Darwiniana ai fiori ed agli insetti visitatori dei fiori" [Bull. Soc. Entomol. Ital. 2 (1870)]. Continues to support vitalism and teleology.

Has received a letter, and two packets of securities.

Comments on George’s escape.

Confirms number of shares.

Reports on conversation with Henry Holland.

COG-N sends, at the request of the late Lord Brougham, a copy of his work, The book of nature and the book of man [1870].

Brief observations on expression in Africa.

Alexander Agassiz is a good investigator, who differs with his father on evolution.

The behaviour of women and savages is a little easier to understand than that of civilised men.

The Zoological Garden has only one old adult male of Limulus. When there were females, eggs were never observed.

Encloses a separate letter [formerly 7071] about AD’s scheme [for a zoological station].

Suggests AD be cautious [in his work]. "Caution is almost the soul of science."

Thanks ADB for Limulus.

Does Callithrix sciureus wrinkle the skin around its eyes when it screams? Do the eyes become suffused with moisture?

Has received [read?] CB’s two works [Chamois hunting in the mountains of Bavaria (2d ed., 1860) and Forest creatures (1871)] and has made use of them in his present book [Descent].

CB’s descriptions of the Tyrol make CD long to be "strong and young again to ramble over the mountains".

Is glad CD liked Chamois hunting [in Bavaria (1853, 1860)].

Regrets CD’s poor health.

Sends his book, Transylvania [1865].

Sends monstrous oranges,

red grape leaves,

and a bean with blue fruits (a hybrid of Phaseolus vulgaris and a Dolichos species).

Thanks CD for his support and for his cautionary advice.

Will send his work on embryology of arthropods as soon as it is finished [Bau und Entwicklung der Arthropoden (1870)].

Delighted with proofs of illustrations [for Descent]. Hopes AG is pleased with them, as they illustrate facts given on his authority.

Is glad CD likes the proofs; looks forward to the appearance of his work.

Thanks AR for specimens of fruit.

Invites AG to Down for a weekend with A. Newton, R. Swinhoe, and Hooker.

Requests the return of some plates sent in error.

Returns CD’s MS [of entomological section of Descent] marked with suggested alterations.

Suggests qualifications about rudimentary horn in female Onitis furcifer [See Descent 1: 372].

Sends additional data on colour differences in sexes of longicorn Coleoptera [See Descent 1: 367–8].

Suggests a modification of CD’s view of female coloration that would bring him "nearly into harmony" with Wallace.

Thanks CB for Transylvania [1865].

CD’s health has declined steadily. He must now be content to read about nature as described by CB and others.

Refers to "Devonshire Man"’s attack on him ["Professor Huxley’s last new theory", Pall Mall Gaz. 18 Jan 1870, p. 6]. His intention to answer – a waste, except for political bearing of Celt question ["Professor Huxley on Celts and Teutons", Pall Mall Gaz. 21 Jan 1870, p. 6].

Plans for his new book, Contributions to the theory of natural selection (1870), which will contain his papers on the subject.