Asks for specimen of Orchis pyramidalis for his work on insect fertilisation of orchids.

Would be grateful for observations on orchids.

Believes Spiranthes visited by moths. Asks AGM to repeat experiment on Spiranthes.

CD, commenting on a case of peloric flowering in Auricula, urges readers to send in their observations on whether flowers nearest the axis tend to differ from others on the plant. Such a law of variation would be worth discovering.

Discusses pollen-masses found on various insects.

CD’s changing taste in periodical literature.

William Darwin’s partnership in bank.

Work: variation and orchids.

Thanks GG for his efforts. Corallorhiza would be most valuable.

Leaves for Torquay on 1 July.

Many mutual acquaintances are ill.

Thanks GB for specimen [of Orchis pyramidalis].

Discusses a great difficulty with orchids: "Insects visit several species which never secrete an atom of honey." [See Orchids, p. 44ff.] Does GB know whether nectar is ever secreted and reabsorbed promptly?

Offers CD a live Proteus anguinus from Adelsberg cave. In his hands it will have a fair chance of developing into "some type of Columbidae (say a pouter or tumbler)".

The Origin is universally praised in Italy and Germany, even by those who disagree with it.

Noting that he is not an M.D., he would be much gratified should the University of Breslau think fit to honour him.

There have been delays, but William Darwin’s banking position is nearly settled.

Is going to Torquay, where he will write up his work on orchids.

Thanks HF for offer of valuable specimen, but CD has no aquarium. Suggests the Zoological Society would be the best place for it.

Will keep HF’s note among a very few precious letters.

Notes observations on the spread of bees in New Zealand and their importance as pollinators of clover and other introduced plants.

Sends MS on fowls for WBT’s inspection.

Describes her compassion for all his sufferings and writes of her wish that his gratitude could be offered to heaven as well as to herself. To her, the only relief is to try to believe that suffering and illness are from God’s hand "to help us to exalt our minds & to look forward with hope to a future state".