Thanks RT for his letter and MS.

Is astonished by the different forms of orchids he describes.

Urges RT to describe and experiment with two or three of the more distinct genera.

"I believe, or am inclined to believe in one or very few primordial forms, from community of structure and early embryonic resemblances in each great class."

Further discusses RT’s observations on Cape [of Good Hope] orchids and asks whether it would be possible for him to send some specimens to Kew.

CD has drawn up a paper from RT’s orchid notes on the fertilisation of Disa grandiflora for the Linnean Society [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 7 (1863): 144–7].

CD would welcome seeds of any Cape Oxalis for his investigation of dimorphism.

Discusses methods of pollination in orchids.

Thinks RT should investigate Physianthus to see if it requires insect aid for fertilisation as the Asclepiadaceae do.

CD’s doctor [J. M. Gully] has ordered him to do nothing for six months.

Thanks RT for orchid specimen.

Dares not look at Oxalis flowers.

Regrets RT cannot get seed, especially from his trimorphic flowers.

Asks for bulbs of two or three forms.

Oxalis plants have arrived safely [see 4347].

CD regrets his mistake about Disa; will correct it.

Thanks RT for his additional facts about Disa.

Is recovering slowly from ten months’ illness.

Asks whether Strelitzia reginae grows in gardens at the Cape. Suspects it must be fertilised by a bird.

Has forwarded RT’s paper on Bonatea to the Linnean Society [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 9 (1865): 156–60].

The Oxalis sent by RT flowered but CD has made out only two forms; he thinks there ought to be three, so would welcome more seed.

Invites RT to come to Down for a week-end.

CD seeks information on the variation of ocelli within species of butterflies.

Thanks RT for drawings of ocelli, especially for the description of ocelli of S. African Saturniidae. Would like to know of any cases in which the ocelli are confined to the male, to illustrate better the case of the peacock.

Is interested in the relative numbers of males and females of all animals; wants any instances of males, or females, being in excess.

RT’s argument about the Lasiocampa strikes him as very good; asks for any similar cases. Wonders whether male butterflies may serve more than one female.

Asks whether RT will call.

Arranges for RT to call.

Thanks RT for letter which saves him from a "terrible mistake": that no moths were more brilliantly coloured beneath than above. Suggests revised version for comment. [See Descent 1: 397.]

Has tried using dealers’ price-lists as a guide to sex ratios in Lepidoptera; finds numerous cases in which the sexes bring different prices and in virtually all of them the males are cheaper. This seems to confirm the impression of the field collectors.

Wishes RT good luck with natural history in S. Africa.

Cannot explain why moths fly into candle flames and birds against lighthouses. Has felt it was just curiosity which attracted them.

CD does believe dogs have some sense of humour.

Invites RT to call on him while he is staying at Haredene.

Regrets he is too unwell to see RT before his departure for the Cape; wishes him well.

Thanks for Forms of flowers.