"With Mr. Charles Darwin’s compliments enclosing one guinea."

Thanks for note concerning JP’s new book [Geology of Oxford (1871)].

Sends enclosure for Captain Jones.

Comments on essay by E. D. Cope ["On the origin of genera", Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 20 (1868): 242–300].

Writes about proof-correcting by WED [of Origin, 6th ed.].

Explains some proof-correcting symbols to be used by WED [on Origin, 6th ed. proofs?].

JS should not consider repaying CD; the money was a gift, not a loan.

JS’s information on expression is the best he has received.

He appreciates the two specimens [skins of Mergenetta and Aix sponsa], especially the Mergenetta, which as far as sifting is concerned, is a capital link between the shoveller and the common duck. Arrangements for their return.

Asks JC-B to observe whether platysma muscle contracts during rigor or shivering fit.

Is just recommencing his essay on expression.

Is sending some proofs for correction by WED [6th ed. of Origin].

Thanks WED for a correction [to proofs of Origin, 6th ed.].

Asks who Fiske is. The articles [Harvard lectures?] are "so fair and in some respects so complimentary" that CD thinks he should write to him. [See 8058.]

"Please accept my thanks for your kind present of your two Papers."

CD glad to hear of success of translation of Descent.

Will not go to press with Expression for six or nine months; hopes HHHvZ will think it worth translating.

Thanks JF for his lectures, the arguments of which he finds very forcible; is glad to see JF has detected the falseness of much of Mivart’s reasoning.

Regrets he is too unwell to see RT before his departure for the Cape; wishes him well.

Thanks for loan of measure.

Is it now thought that the spongioles of rootlets secrete carbonic acid which acts on bones and rocks?

Explains why he must decline to write for the Index: his health is poor and he has never systematically thought much on religion. FEA may print his comments, "with qualifications", if he wishes.

Praises and comments on JL’s essay on insects ["Origin of insects", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. 11 (1873): 422–5].

CD offers to mark corrected passages in sheets of 6th edition of Origin.

Discusses question of hybrids between goats and sheep, on which H. von Nathusius has cast doubt in his recent Viehzucht [1872]. CD gives several references for a contrary view.

Asks JVC to inquire about HvN’s assertion that castrated rams have no horns.