Encloses extracts from the correspondence of [the Ven. Robert] Clive concerning Erasmus Darwin.

Has read Butler’s letter and CD’s draft reply and Litchfield’s letter. Has no hesitation in saying CD should take no notice. Litchfield’s advice is judicious.

Worm-castings. Encloses notes about worm activities at Gravetye Manor.

Receiving deputation gave CD pleasure.

Forster cannot help at present. Is sending copies of an enclosure [missing] to Downing Street.

Writes on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury to invite CD to a private conference organised in an attempt to reconcile science and religion. [Enclosed is a printed two-page memorial calling for such a conference.]

Encloses reply to Butler [Kosmos 8 (1881): 321–2]. Has also written a reply intended for English reader. Will have it translated for Popular Science Review if CD thinks suitable.

Report of Jäger accident was an error.

Kosmos has been purchased by Eduard Koch in Stuttgart and will continue as in the past.

CD gives his opinion on vivisection with the understanding that the whole letter will be published. Worked for Act of Parliament, but disapproves of the one passed. CD convinced English physiologists do not perform cruel experiments.

Is glad to hear that Hermann Müller approves of D’AWT’s translation of his work [Die Befruchtung der Blumen (1873)]; he hopes a publisher may be found for a work of such high value.

"Dia" [as a prefix] means "through, across".

WED’s wife would like to meet the Huxleys.

Repeats extracts of a letter received from Bishop Stirling’s daughter containing anecdotes and observations of the Fuegian natives.

Will stay until London until after the Linnean Society meeting unless CD wants anything. Asks to send abstracts of papers. Has made short abstracts of papers for Nature.

Explains delay in printing proofs [of Movement in plants?].

On the disease-resisting qualities and yield of certain potatoes.

Wants some more rubber bands for his wrist.

Thanks for CD’s letter, and further discussion of the sale of Tromer Lodge.

Arrangements regarding HD’s allowances.

Discusses possible investments.

Having reviewed the history of the Glen Roy debate ["On the origin of the parallel roads of Lochaber, and their bearing on other phenomena of the glacial period", Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. 170 (1880): 663–776], JP wishes to know whether it is accurate to say CD has abandoned the marine theory.

Concerning subscriptions raised for Torbitt’s experiments on potato disease.

Comments on CD’s latest book [Movement in plants].