Germination of Delphinium and Megarrhiza.

Thanks EH for copy of book [Das System der Medusen (1879)].

SB has decided to lay the matter [the subject of 12393 and 12396] before the public and has written to the Athenæum stating the facts. [Athenæum 31 Jan 1880.]

Asa Gray wants seeds of a variety of cotton known as vine cotton.

Thanks CD for giving money to the children. Is going to give money to Bessy, but not invest it until she is really rich. Returns Butler’s letter. Thinks Butler is looking for a grievance to write an article about.

Sorry to hear of his illness.

On his visit to J. F. McLennan, GHD might tell him that CD thinks A. R. Wallace would work up McLennan’s materials conscientiously.

Asks CD to write his opinion of the views expressed in "Die Darwin’sche Theorie und die Landwirtschaft" in his journal, Reunion.

Thanks for letter of 18th January 1880 and for present of Essays. Interested in Welcker’s investigation of the 'ligamentum teres', and his comment on the feet of the Chinese.

Will esteem it an honour if Welcker dedicates his next book to him.

Comments on JHF’s book [Souvenirs entomologiques (1879)].

Discusses story told by Erasmus Darwin about a wasp cutting off wings of fly.

Sorry JHF is opposed to descent theory.

Suggests experiment concerning insects’ sense of direction.

Can well understand WN’s new life. WN’s departure a heavy loss.

Has shown S. Butler’s Athenæum letter to Frederick Pollock, who confirms RBL’s advice that it needs no answer. Sends an imaginary response by Butler.

Asks THH to advise him about a response to Samuel Butler’s attack accusing CD of dishonesty. Quotes the advice of others but will do what THH advises.

WZS, 12-year-old pupil, asks where he can find answer to question of what causes different shades of colour in inhabitants of earth.

Thanks RBL for advice [concerning dispute with Samuel Butler]. Notes reaction of family.

Says it is not likely he will be able to criticise GJR’s work.

Recommends Jean-Henri Fabre, Souvenirs entomologiques [1879].

Encloses letters from J. F. Moulton [12350 and 12356].

Germination of Megarrhiza. AG’s observations at variance with CD’s.

Thinks Huxley’s judgment on answering S. Butler’s charges would be trustworthy, though THH is horribly pugnacious and would naturally be for fighting.

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.

Greatly relieved by THH’s letter [advising against a reply to Samuel Butler].

Samuel Butler’s fierce attack on CD and EK in Athenæum. CD’s sentence saying that EK had altered his Kosmos article was accidentally omitted from second proofs. Butler insinuates that EK’s attack on his book was suggested by CD or interpolated by him in EK’s text.