Thinks "mum" comes from shutting the mouth repeatedly as a sign of wanting to eat.

Discusses GJR’s idea of subjecting plants to brief flashes of light.

Hoped to see GJR in London, but was too tired.

Delighted his book Movement in plants has interested GJR.

Asks if GJR has example of dogs calling on each other to go hunting; there is a case half a mile away.

Has heard that Samuel Butler has abused him in his latest book, but he does not intend to look at it.

Sends manuscript by Baron de Villa Franca on the apparent grafting of sugar canes.

Has seen EWVH’s list of the birds of Madeira, and would like to know more about the ‘occasional visitants’.

Thanks for the very detailed information sent by EWVH.

Would like to compare the length of the wings of non-migratory and migratory swallows.

Wonders if EWVH could show him skins of Columba livia.

Thanks EWVH for his offer but he is not likely to go to London soon to visit John Leadbeater, the bird dealer; he could take a rock pigeon for comparison, but other skins he would have compare at the British Museum.

Would be obliged if EWVH could investigate domestic species in Egypt, especially a type of dog depicted in ancient monuments; and he is particularly interested in tumbler pigeons.

Thanks for offer of pigeons, if breeding is successful; hopes to go to poultry show to see them.

Several questions about the Boz or Booz pigeon of Tunis.

If any of EWVH’s birds die and he does not want the skin, perhaps he would send it to CD.

Will not accept invitation to Hastings, or offer to send pigeons to Down.

Is looking forward to seeing pigeons at Crystal Palace poultry show.

Went to the show and saw EWVH’s birds.

Thinks he will give up his pigeons at the end of the summer.

Sends some geological specimens. Describes his recent trips and findings on the geology of the Andes. Asks if HSF has seen large beds of shells on elevated land – possibly at Rio Grande or S. Brazil.

Acknowledges HWA’s oration.

Discusses design in nature, Asa Gray’s views, and his own confusion.

Thanks for drawing. ‘The "Woolnerian tip" is worth anything to me.’

Has made a wonderful recovery [from riding accident].

Asks for information on blushing and screaming [for Expression].

Mary Somerville may use diagrams from Orchids [in her Molecular and microscopic science (1869)], but permission should be obtained from John Murray.

Thanks for copy of MS’s book [On molecular and microscopic science, (1869)]. Part on orchids is an excellent summary.