Asks WED to observe whether worms consistently draw acacia leaves into their burrows with a particular end first.

Will soon know whether he will need worm-castings from Beaulieu.

Asks whether WED can collect some worm-castings from Beaulieu Abbey.

Gives instructions to WED about looking for earthworm activity at Brading.

Mentions James Geikie’s excellent book [Prehistoric Europe (1881)].

Worm-castings from [Roman] ruins at Brading contained bits of tiles or bricks. Obliged for WED’s trouble about Brading castings.

Movement in plants well received in Germany.

Thanks WED for some earthworm observations.

Discusses investments.

Discusses earthworm activity

and animal grazing on slopes.

Writes of WED’s certificate for the Geological Society

and discusses various instances of earthworm activity.

Discusses investments,

earthworms,

and an article by Romanes [see 13029].

Discusses some business matters

and E. A. Darwin’s health.

Discusses earthworms and their ability to perceive narrowest points of leaves to draw them into their burrows.

Discusses investments.

The action of worms when drawing leaves into their burrows.

Thanks WED for sending leaves and making observations on how earthworms drag them into their burrows.

Doubts justice of fierce review against J. Geikie’s book [Prehistoric Europe (1881)] in Nature [by W. B. Dawkins, 23 (1881): 309–10], but if reindeer and hippopotamus have really been found in close contact in same bed – "it tells horribly against interglacial periods".

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.

Discusses his investments.

P.S. on earthworms.

Discusses his investments.

Reports on a luncheon of scientific savants at which the Crown Prince of Germany [and Prince of Wales?] were present.

Discusses financial affairs.

Writes about WED’s purchasing a house.

Seeks investment advice.

Two letters have arrived for WED.

Joseph has had two teeth out.