Asks EH to call on Zeiss and to help arrange for microscope for Francis Darwin.

Thanks for pt 6 of [Australian orchids].

Contemptuous of Samuel Butler.

Has read that Huxley will be Inspector of Fisheries.

When CD visits in spring, he will acquaint him with legalities of Worthing house.

Orders vaseline and pomatum – the latter to put on his beard, which in dry weather feels uncomfortably harsh.

Birthday greetings.

Thinks it best not to reply further to Butler. Has read G. J. Romanes’ article with great pleasure. Romanes is right to ridicule Butler. Quotes passages about Butler from CD letters. Has received letter from F. M. Balfour urging him not to reply to Butler.

CD thanks him for his congratulations and for details of letters, which he will keep with the Butlerian documents.

FD is happy for his lecture to be republished in Kosmos.

Thanks GJR for his second letter replying to Butler [Nature 23 (1880–1): 335–6].

Thanks him for his letter in Nature [23 (1880–1): 336, concerning Samuel Butler’s Unconscious Memory]. Explains how revision in Krause’s part [of Erasmus Darwin] and the subsequent misunderstanding came about.

Interested in theory of flight machines. Thinks it may be possible to fly by hitching man to large birds. What does CD think?

Recalls gift of book sent to CD.

Thanks for work sent by GdeS and A. F. Marion [L’évolution du règne végétal 1 (1881)]. CD greatly pleased at boldness with which GdeS expresses his belief in evolution. Some of GdeS’s countrymen have been "a little timid" on this head.

Forwards the preface to his book [see 12999] and comments on the effect of the Bible on science.

Cannot help JP [with bird-powered flying machine].

Brokers have purchased Leeds Corporation Stock.

Thanks for Evolutionist at large [1881]. Envies GA’s power of writing. Some statements are too bold, but several of the views are new to CD and seem "extremely probable".

Discusses the possible rebuilding of a pair of cottages on CD’s farm at Beesby, Lincolnshire.

Belated birthday greetings

and reminiscences of CD’s help to the Station, which continues to prosper. A recent innovation is the establishment of the Zoologische Jahresbericht edited by J. V. Carus.

Thanks for compliments on Evolutionist at large.

Reports on his improving health.

Uncle Erasmus is ill.

Thanks WED for his trouble about the cottages.

He has signed the note to Higgins.

CD has used WED’s Rhododendron case in Earthworms [p. 69].

Is using paper triangles in experiments on intelligence of worms.

Queries account for book "Fauna Neapol. II"

Thanks for honour conferred upon him by the Otago Institute.