Sends his corrected proofs [of Erasmus Darwin] for CD’s approval, with questions and final arrangements.

Final decisions about the printing of Erasmus Darwin.

E. Krause has sent his corrected proofs with suggestions and questions.

Suggests £20 as a fair payment for his work on Erasmus Darwin.

Thanks CD for a copy of Erasmus Darwin.

Since CD has decided not to answer S. Butler’s charge, WSD will not reply either.

Will look over Francis Darwin’s lecture ["Climbing plants"] with a view to publishing it in Popular Science Review [19 (1880): 213–29].

The article [Francis Darwin, "Climbing plants"] has appeared in Popular Science Review [n.s. 4 (1880): 213–29].

Asks CD to allow John [Richard de Capel] Wise to dedicate a poem to him.

John Wise is much pleased by CD’s permitting the dedication of Wise’s poem to him; it will be an ouvrage de luxe, with drawings by Walter Crane [The first of May, a fairy masque; presented in a series of 52 designs by Walter Crane (1881)].

Asks CD to join in a testimonial supporting James Murie’s candidacy for Librarian of Linnean Society.

WSD is pleased that CD approves his index draft [for Variation]; notes his objection to long list of references under "Dogs" and will try to find a principle for shortening it. He has not indexed all authors’ names; is this practice satisfactory?

Thanks CD for his two notes [on indexing references to authors]; will increase the scope of his citations by including those quoted in footnotes in support of statements in the text.

Has adopted CD’s plan of giving every author’s name in index [of Variation], but it causes delay.

Some corrections and queries about Variation text. Is pushing hard to finish, but CD is right that the names in the notes make the work interminable. Fears he is causing delay in publication. Is astonished at "the wonderful array of facts brought together and at the manner in which you bring them to bear".

WSD is pushing forward as fast as he can with [index to] second volume [of Variation]. The work is fearfully heavy.

Regrets that the remarks in his letter [5712] seemed to CD to be criticisms. Nothing was further from his intention. He is working hard. "The subjects often seem to elude the Index-maker."

He is vexed that CD has had to write again about the index. He has no excuse except "the nature of the work itself".

Has sent off last portion of index [to Variation]. Hopes CD will be pleased with it. Will never undertake such labour again. He fears it has been an unfavourable way to make CD’s acquaintance. Trusts to CD’s goodness not to hate his name for the rest of his life.

Thanks CD for cheque for £5.5.0 supplementing fee from J. Murray’s. Will return it if Murray provides an additional amount. Is glad CD is so well pleased. Sends notes for errata.

Forwards a letter from Secretary of Yorkshire Philosophical Society. Hopes CD will honour them by accepting.

Has heard nothing of Variation.

WSD is delighted to hear that first edition [of Variation] has sold so well.

Has received a cheque from J. Murray for 30 guineas, double what was agreed upon. Sends a postal order for the five guineas CD sent him [see 5788].