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.

Response to ARW’s MS on geological time ["The measurement of geological time", Nature 1 (1870): 399–401, 452–5].

Groans over [what is said about] man.

JBI sends clipping about a hybrid between a deer and a cow, from the same parish as the one reported in 1868.

On the development of the mammae and the glands of the skin. R. A. v. Kölliker and Carl von Langer are the authorities [See Descent 1: 209].

Suggests the recipient catch the 4.12 train.

Asks JC-B to return copy of Duchenne [Mécanisme de la physionomie humaine (1862)] and sends some notes "as your former notes were of such extreme interest to me".

Discusses buying a horse [for CD].

Conveys some information on a quiet horse which CD may be able to purchase from a riding school.

Statement of sales of U. S. edition of Origin.

Asks CD to be godfather to her third child [Maud Mostyn Owen].

Sends a copy of Notes and Queries for Francis Galton, as it contains a reply to Galton’s circular on hereditary genius.

RS much refreshed by his trip to Down.

Believes he has found a quiet cob suitable for CD. Encloses a letter for CD to sign and send to the owner if he approves the idea.

Sends thanks for election to American Philosophical Society.

CD’s goddaughter, Maud, has been christened.

Compliments Origin.

Sends extract about a waterplant to illustrate CD’s points about the means of dispersal in geographical distribution.

Was gratified "beyond measure" by AN’s comments on his pigeon chapter [in Variation] in the [Zoological] Record [5 (1868): 94–6]. AN is the first man capable of forming a judgment who seems to have thought anything of this part.

Sends information on the distribution of various species in the U. S.