Thanks RDF for a part of his book [Australian orchids, vol. 1 (1875–82)]; suggests further observations RDF could make and defends some of his own conclusions.

Thanks for RDF’s Australian orchids [1874]. It comes just as CD’s Orchids [2d ed.] is going to press.

Sorry to hear of JLGK’s troubles. Cannot organise a subscription but sends £5.

Thanks for another part of Australian orchids.

Has not studied Geum, but suppression of one sex is not rare in plants.

Will use TW’s case of gynodioecious Ranunculus if he prints a new edition of Forms of flowers.

Asks TW not to send more information as CD does not expect a new edition of Forms of flowers.

TW’s Stachys case is what he calls gynodioeciousness.

Thanks for pt 4 of Australian orchids [1874–].

Thanks JM for sending Drosera specimens.

Thanks for pt 6 of [Australian orchids].

PGK’s letter stirred memories of their old days in the Beagle.

Gives news of his work on cirripedes. Would like to examine Scalpellum papillosum of King from Patagonia if PGK’s father has a duplicate in his collection.

Thanks WBC for his account of glacial action in Australia. A mundane cooler period would throw a flood of light on geographical distribution. Has sketched a large MS on subject but does not know whether he will live to publish it.

Questions WBC on striated granite boulders.

Asks him to make a botanical experiment on insect fertilisation.

J. C. Wickham, B. J. Sulivan, and Arthur Mellersh visited a fortnight ago.

Oldest son [William] now a banker.

Sends photograph.

Health too bad to see anyone at present. Rarely sees FitzRoy.

Sends suggestions for points that would interest geologists in a description of valleys in the Blue Mountains [New South Wales].

A letter of reference for Syms Covington.

CD’s servant [Syms Covington] will work his passage to Australia.

Returns a curious stone, of which he hopes to publish an account. [See Volcanic islands, p. 38.]

CD not a good enough botanist to form a judgment of specimen. Does not understand whether CAJ supposes the variety to be a result of hybridism or of the present very hot summer, which CD cannot doubt will have an effect on some British plants in their struggle for life.

Thanks PGK for his aid in reporting the curious case of the parrot.

Will consult John Gould about rosella [Australian parakeet].

Recalls with pleasure their friendship on board the Beagle.

Thanks for JLGK’s article [see 8331].

CD thinks it a pity that Owen shows so little consideration for the judgment of other naturalists.

Is glad JLGK has been interested in Descent.

Thanks him for his observations on monkey behaviour [see 8698]

and drawings of skulls, which CD has sent to George Busk.