Discusses Darjeeling position. Thanks CD for advice.

Will send orchid paper [see 4087].

Has written to G. Dennen to ask him for an explanation regarding his behaviour in a financial transaction involving the savings bank of which JTA and CD are trustees.

Thanks for CD’s paper [not named].

Inquires whether Lychnis, as an hermaphrodite, is more susceptible to fungus, disease, other weaknesses.

Sends abstract from Edinburgh Courant of his orchid sterility paper [see 4087]. Balfour altered title to obscure its theoretical nature.

Sends specimens showing curious variation.

CD’s encouragement of John Scott, who has found a case of self-incompatibility in orchids, like William Herbert’s in Crinum.

Nägeli on phyllotaxy.

CD’s observations on broom fertilisation.

Has not yet received any reply from Dennen.

Recommends that CD visit Dr MacLeod’s [hydropathic] establishment near Ilkley.

Asks CD’s help with problem that arose when he tried to impregnate an orchid following CD’s text in Orchids.

Sends letter from G. Dennen. GD improperly proposed to a depositor, Percival, to lend his savings at 10% to Dennen’s brother; asks CD whether matter should be brought before bank trustees.

AG’s review of Alphonse de Candolle’s paper [Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 35 (1863): 430–44] is excellent.

Does not AG consider that orchids oppose Oswald Heer’s view that species arise suddenly by monstrosities?

Infers that AG cannot explain the angles of phyllotaxy; has been looking at Carl Nägeli on the subject.

Reports Gaston de Saporta’s belief that natural selection will ultimately triumph in France.

Is working slowly at Variation.

Reports his observations on the imperfect flowers of Viola and Oxalis.

Acknowledges receipt of £235 7s. 9d.

Thanks JS for abstract of orchid sterility paper from Edinburgh Courant. His case of individual sterility will be of highest use to CD. Criticises JS’s writing. Points out weaknesses in the organisation of his argument and the use of inflated, imprecise language.

Critical of ARW's understanding of the economy of nature.

Hooker states that he will re-read ARW's 1853 book about the Amazon as he doesn't recall it interesting him at all when it was first published.

ARW listed along with Hooker, Huxley, Lubbock and Bates as the "only honest downright "flat-footed" men in all England!!!".

Convinced length of stamens has no relation to powers of fertilisation in many plants.

Suggests experiments on Pelargonium and Phlox.

Advises about use of microscope.

CD is right on heterostyly in Primula. High praise. Has confirmed it with Primula polyanthus.

Sends sprig of Linum luteum corymbiflorum [?]. CD is right about its being dimorphic.

Will try some odd strawberry crosses this summer.

Glad to hear of the plant; CD instructs WED to make further observations. If it is a good case he will insist on WED’s sending a communication to the Linnean Society.