Describes difficulty of conditions for the experiment with Drosera suggested by THF.

Thanks THF for information from Colonial Office on population statistics showing the inhabitants of some areas are far from becoming sterile.

CD is delighted with report from THF about activity of worms in Roman-British ruins at Abinger.

Thanks THF for the diary of worm activity at Abinger site.

Has received Ledum with its captured flies.

"At present I care for nothing in this wide world except the biology of seedling plants."

Doubts Ledum warrants investigation. Glands probably serve only to protect the flowers against crawling insects, which would not cross-fertilise them.

Sends detailed report on the prospects for a settlement on the coast of Patagonia, pointing out many problems, and recommending instead the Falkland Islands.

[Letter written as a postscript to 11406.] CD has reread his letter of 7 Mar 1878 about the value of James Torbitt’s work on the potato disease and has nothing to withdraw. Emphasises Torbitt’s need for immediate financial help.

Sends some questions raised by THF’s notes on earthworms at Abinger; he plans to use them in his book.

Questions the exact location of rooms and trenches at Abinger excavation [for Earthworms].

Thanks THF for notes on Abinger excavation. Asks for more castings.

THF’s copybook has cleared up all points. The castings are invaluable. Encloses further queries [missing].

Is worried about brick particles in worm-castings. Asks THF for castings from a site where possible error would be avoided.

Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.

Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger.

Agrees to sit for portrait. Thinks John Collier is a good artist, an opinion based on his portrait of Hooker.

More on W. Graham’s book, The creed of science. Chance and design. Happiness.

E. A. Darwin’s death [26 Aug 1881].

Thanks CTW for his letter [125]. "I do not think I ever received a more kind letter than yours or one that gave me so much pleasure.— You ought to have in your mind, the prospect of leaving England for 3 or 4 years before you can understand how to enjoy such a letter from such a person as yourself—". Regarding the voyage, "all is finally settled, & I have sealed away about half a chance of life.— If one lived merely to see how long one could spin out life,—I should repent my choice.— As it is I do not.—"

Thanks CTW for four fungi which have arrived.

Asks to borrow an old pair of GN’s dissecting scissors so that Weiss & Co. can use it as a model.

Health has been poor.

Has finished MS on pedunculated cirripedes for Ray Society [Living Cirripedia, vol. 1 (1851)].

Returns scissors with thanks.

Young John Lubbock who has a strong taste for dissecting insects would benefit greatly from conversation with GN.