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.

[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.

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

E. A. Darwin’s death [26 Aug 1881].

Thanks THF for correcting the error in Orchids.

Asks him to find out what insects visit the fly orchid and for what purpose.

"I have seen the action on Ophrys exactly as you describe and am thoroughly ashamed of my inaccuracy."

Comments on THF’s MS [on fertilisation of scarlet runners]. Suggests publication, though CD anticipated main features ten years before. Is amused at the caution with which THF put his case that the final end [of the contrivances] was crossing distinct individuals.

Will send THF’s paper [on scarlet runners] to Annals and Magazine of Natural History with a note recommending publication [see 6384].

Suggests books on Lobelia.

Informs THF that Annals and Magazine of Natural History will publish his paper [see 6384].