Acquaintances say principal contents of Seward book should be recounted in German edition of Erasmus Darwin.

Will CD check MS for errors?

Wants a plant that shows interesting sleep movements identified.

Would like CD to write a paper on the results of geese experiments; hopes CD will not object to his doing the same despite the variance of their conclusions [see F. B. Goodacre, "Question of identity of Chinese and domestic goose", Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. (1879): 710–12 and CD’s "Fertility of hybrids from the Chinese and common goose", Collected papers 2: 219–20].

Sends copy of Die Urzelle [1879].

Clerical party in Germany rejoicing because science cannot explain all facts at once.

Invites EH to spend night at Down.

Force of turgor is true cause of movement in plants. HdeV hopes to identify the substance which increases the cell’s water-absorbing power.

Will do nothing with the geese until he hears from FBG. Is glad FBG intends to publish his results.

Until C-FR sees the whole of Erasmus Darwin, he cannot decide if it is worth translating into French.

Arranges to visit Down.

Urges EK to do as he thinks best about German edition of Erasmus Darwin. CD sends original of EK’s essay and translation of parts he has not used.

Likes CD’s memoir of his grandfather and offers to publish 1000 copies at his own risk, giving half the profits to CD.

Though not sanguine about sale [of Erasmus Darwin] it seems fair that if over 1500 copies are sold he should receive two-thirds profit. If JM does not agree, he would prefer publishing on commission or asking Macmillan if they will give him larger profits.

Confirms details of EH’s visit to Down.

Perhaps movement from side to side in plants is caused by the contraction of one side, rather than the expansion of the other.

Sends seeds of Lychnis Githago: he observed the hypocotyledenous stem, not the root, contracting.

VAEGM pleased CD enjoyed his stay at Coniston.

Reports some rude remarks about CD made by John Ruskin.

Can dispose of CD’s geese if he wishes.

Movement of tentacles of Drosera.

Has sent some geese.

Has sent remaining sheets for proposed French translation of Erasmus Darwin. Edmond Barbier should consider the pages from Seward’s Life that have been cut from the English edition.

Thanks for printed sheets and MS. Intends that German version should follow the English, but will add notes to clarify unfamiliar material for German readers.

Thanks for list of plant names.