Thanks FD for the volumes of Revista Botanica [1874–5].

Thanks FD for his three publications.

CD is pleased that FD has discussed Pangenesis, although he does not favour the hypothesis. Will seek English publisher.

Cautions FD about fluid in labellum of Coryanthes.

T. H. Farrer is enthusiastic about FD’s papers.

Believes humming-birds fertilise many American flowers.

Mentions his reply to FD’s criticisms ["Pangenesis: Mr Darwin’s reply to Professor Delpino", Sci. Opin. 2 (1869): 426; Collected papers 2: 158–60].

Suggests that FD study fertilisation of Gramineae.

Thanks FD for seeds of Canna.

Still thinks it would be worth FD’s while looking at the fertilisation of Lotus; does not think Frank Darwin has exaggerated the novelty of the contrivance.

Will send FD’s work [Studi sopra un lignaggio anemofilo delle composte (1871)] to Nature for review.

CD’s health has been poor all summer – he doubts that he will ever "have the strength to publish on Variability under a state of Nature".

Hopes to publish on cross- and self-fertilisation next summer.

Encloses his photo and asks for FD’s.

Asks whether, in Italy, varieties of Lathyrus odoratus, Pisum sativum, and Phaseolus multiflorus must be grown separately to come true.

Discusses role of insects in crossing varieties of Lathyrus odoratus and other species.

Comments on Hermann Müller [Die Befruchtung der Blumen (1873)],

and Anton Kerner ["Die Schutzmittel des Pollens", Ber. Naturwiss. Med. Ver. Innsbruck, 3 (1873): 100–68].

Admires FD’s work on anemophilous plants.

Thanks for Thomas Belt’s Naturalist in Nicaragua [1874], which confirms some of his observations,

and for Insectivorous plants, which he praises.

Suggests that a book integrating knowledge of plant–animal interactions be written by a Darwinist.

Defines biology as the science of external interactions.

German reception is far more positive than Italian.

Has become Professor of Botany at Genoa.

Offers to send his paper on the necessity of out-crossing.

Has reviewed Forms of flowers in Revista Botanica [(1877): 84–106].

CD’s treatment by the French Academy.

Hypothesises that the mollusc-like mantle of Balanus originates from a form of grafting.

Thanks for Movement in plants; particularly supports indirect rather than direct action of light and gravity on plants.

Support CD’s views on variability of species, but believes they must be interpreted "spiritualisticamente".

Cross-fertilisation in the Asclepiadaceae.

Declares himself CD’s defender; but he is a "teleologist".

Sends CD three more papers.

His research confirms his faith and belief in variability of species.

Acknowledges receipt of CD’s Primula paper [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 10 (1869): 437–54].

Nectar-sucking birds fertilise tropical flowers.

Writing a "Dualistic apologia for Pangenesis" [see translation in Sci. Opin. 2 (1869): 365–7, 391–3, 407–8].

Homology of the orchid rostellum.

Comments on Hermann Crüger’s paper, sent by CD, on fertilisation of orchids [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 8 (1865): 127–35].

Observations on dichogamy in grasses (wheat, rye, barley).

Has not yet read CD’s reply to his article on Pangenesis [Collected papers 2: 158–60].

Sends CD "L’applicazione della teoria Darwiniana ai fiori ed agli insetti visitatori dei fiori" [Bull. Soc. Entomol. Ital. 2 (1870)]. Continues to support vitalism and teleology.

Transformism explains rudimentary organs, and teratology, which are otherwise inexplicable.

Looking forward to publication of Descent

and CD’s expected book on "Variation in nature" [see Variation 1: 4].

Responds to CD’s request for Canna seeds.

Studying dichogamy in Lotus. Describes mechanism that pumps pollen on to a visiting bee. Corrects Axell on Lotus.

Sends his new work, Ulteriori osservazioni sulla dicogomia pt 2, fasc. 1.

Has found no nectar in Orchis morio or O. maculata in Italy and has seen no insects visiting the plants.

Gives his observations on cross- and self-fertilisation in cereals.

Sends paper on Artemesia.

Praise for Descent.

Has talked to St George Mivart about CD’s health.