If the Memorial concerning Joseph Dalton Hooker’s dispute with Acton Smee Ayrton was sent to Down, there will be a delay in its return. He has discussed the matter with Mary Catherine Stanley (Lady Derby).

HS hopes in the future to show more fully "absolute emptiness" of James Martineau’s propositions; is glad CD approved of his article dealing with JM’s arguments. [J. Martineau, "The place of mind in nature", Contemp. Rev. 19 (1872): 606–23; H. Spencer, "Mr Martineau on evolution", Contemp. Rev. 20 (1872): 141–54.]

Has signed the memorial by men of science with real pleasure. Fears it may be too severe. He told Lady Derby about JDH’s troubles. She said she would tell Lord Derby what he had said.

Expects the memorial to make Gladstone frantic. Government regrets granting Lord Derby the correspondence and Lubbock has been advised to postpone calling for it in Lower House. This looks fishy. Is exhausted by the affair.

Reports a monkey-like child in Teneriffe.

In England to write a monograph on Anthracotherium.

A goat in Breslau recently gave birth to three kids, two normal but one almost entirely lacking in hair.

Asks CD for seeds of some plants.

Would be impractical to have FCD check references to physiology in proofs [of Expression]. William Bowman has checked chapter on weeping.

Invites FCD to visit Down when he comes to England in July.

Has been appointed Assistant Keeper at the British Museum.

Privately advises CD against having anything to do with W. P. Snow, whose personality and past conduct on a mission vessel were very bad.

Reports on the successes of the missionaries on the Beagle Channel [Tierra del Fuego].

Sends CD the first part of his Swedish translation of Descent [1872].

Rejoices at AG’s appointment [as Assistant Keeper at the British Museum].

Her husband is very ill;

her book on cats does not go well.

Worm-casts on a ridged hill.

Sackville Cecil would like to be present with Francis Galton at one of William Crookes’s séances. Can CD arrange it?