Is looking forward to returning home [from Moor Park hydropathic establishment]. News of other patients and the books she is reading. Although feeling well, cannot walk much.
Instinct in cats.
A memorandum describing the expressive behaviour of a cat with added notes by CD.
Mogg [John Traherne Moggridge] wants to visit CD.
Self-fertilising orchids.
An extract from Macrobius’ Saturnalia dealing with blushing.
Responds to note about the MS [Descent] with great interest and promises to obey his instructions. [See 7124.]
Describes crying in an infant.
Is delighted at the sale of Descent. What CD says about her help pleases her very much and the proposed gift as a memorial will be very precious to her. Is looking forward to seeing the family in London. Comments on a letter comparing CD's appearance to an ape. Is surprised CD has had no effect on Wallace: 'It seems to me his mind can’t be so clear as u used to think it'. Has worked out why she is dissatisfied with T. H. Huxley's essay ‘On the physical basis of life’ (T. H. Huxley 1869).
CD’s letter [7922] was very sweet to her, and if her marriage [to Richard B. Litchfield] can be half as perfect as CD’s she will be very happy.
Richard’s German fails in communicating with washerwomen.
Does not want CD to put his name to any religious movement. Discourages giving money to Abbott or Voysey.
Summarises her theory about expression in music.
The Litchfields and George Darwin think care should be taken that E. Krause’s reply to S. Butler’s Unconscious memory does not appear to be instigated by CD. Suggest it be sent to Popular Science Review, not Athenæum.
Describes the wedding party given for herself and Richard Buckley Litchfield at the Working Men’s College in London.
Is glad to hear R. B. Litchfield is better.
Discusses William Darwin’s engagement to Sara Sedgwick.
Sends M. Guthrie’s book [On Mr Spencer’s formula of evolution (1879)], although HEL may not care to read it having seen Moulton’s letter [12350].
Sends the Litchfields two drafts of a letter in reply to Samuel Butler’s letter to the Athenæum; hopes for their approval.
Seeks R. B. Litchfield’s advice about publishing a translation of a letter and article by E. Krause [answering Samuel Butler’s Unconscious memory].
Discusses some observations on, and the fertilisation of, Ophrys.
Prefers not to send her proof-slips of the present chapter [of Variation], which has been enormously altered, but will be glad to have her see slips and revises in future.
Responds to her suggested corrections [of Descent].
