CD and ED bequeath an annuity of £50 to J. Parslow [the Darwins’ butler].

Data on good and bad pollen-grain yields of different species. Sends sketches of two male Rhamnus catharticus flowers [see Forms of flowers, p. 294].

Identified two flies as species of Empis that suck flowers, but the females also feed on small Diptera.

Two queries on teeth: 1. Is there evidence of inherited peculiarities in milk teeth?

2. Are male incisors longer than female?

Recommends papers on Styrian Cave insects and American cave animals.

Thanks for information on inheritance of mental peculiarities in cats.

Discusses deduction from bill for medicine.

On why it is said Indian elephants do not breed in captivity; mating habits of male so violent as to require restraint.

Reports two observations on crossing in dogs: the preservation of both pure types in the offspring of a pointer and a setter, and the influence of a first mating with a mongrel on the progeny of a Barbary bitch and a subsequent Barbary male.

"I shall not be in London on Monday, but I have written to my Brother to ask him to aid you"

Asks CD what prompts dogs of all kinds to roll themselves in decayed animal matter; inherited habit or immediate gratification?

Thanks CD for letter of 3 Oct [missing] about LB’s publication.

Asks for information about JC’s essay, "On the relation of the domesticated animals to civilisation" [read at BAAS meeting 1859].

Obliged for the Theophrastus. Will return it.

Instructions on paying a bill.

Seeks investment advice.

Promises to send coral specimens.

Thanks TCE for telling him of his crossed pigs. When they are grown, he would like to know whether they resemble each other.

Doubts the half-bred Gallus sonnerati will be productive, though he was assured many years ago that such a fertile half-breed once occurred.

Would much like to see Dr Birchfield appointed superintendent of the new asylum at Woking.

Arrangements to dine at JDH’s club.