Admiration for vol. 2 of Descent, and plans for his review of it for the Academy [2 (1871): 177–82].

News of his new residence.

His previous account of Phascolarctos was based on notes made at the time of observation.

His report of the successful adoption of a koala infant by a cat comes from a trustworthy observer.

Recounts case of parrot whose talking seems to show "power of connecting definite sounds with definite ideas" [see Descent, 2d ed., p. 85 n.].

Has not seen CD’s daughter yet. Hopes the fine weather will continue while she is there [in Bournemouth].

Case of cat transmitting a habit to her offspring.

Discusses his blunder in "confounding the two foramina" [in the skull] of apes [in Descent].

Discusses views of George Rolleston, St George Mivart, and Huxley on the occurrence of the foramina.

Thanks WO for his replies [to 7551]. Discusses the open mouth in surprise; asks WO to investigate its function in hearing and breathing.

Asks why deaf persons generally keep mouths open.

Encloses an article he wrote for the Scotsman [9 Mar 1871, p. 5].

Wishes he had time to write a critique of Descent. There is evidence of design and benevolence in nature. Beauty cannot be accounted for by natural selection.

Pleased about sale and new issue [of Descent]. Discusses presentation copies.

Believes he has committed an oversight with regard to sexual selection in insects. Cites conclusions of B. T. Lowne, which are similar to GBM’s.

Thanks BJS for his interesting letter about parrots and language.

Asks whether Bugis [Buggess] are Malays. [See 7587.]

Is leaving for Ningpo; asks CD for another copy of his [Queries about expression], which he will try to answer.

Comments on various points in Descent: proportion of sexes, moral sentiments in animals, etc. Encloses "packet of data" [missing].

Thanks CD for Descent.

Sends a copy of his oratio inauguralis on De harmonie van het dierlijke leven [1848] in which he espoused evolution, but did not see the influence of natural selection.

Russian translation of Descent in progress, but the Minister of Interior has banned CD’s work and the book will be seized.

His foolish brother-in-law, Mayor of Montmartre, attempted to defend their section against the government.

CD’s queries on man and camels have gone to Alexander [Kovalevsky] in Sinai.

PM’s letter and newspaper article [see 7576] show him to be still vigorous. CD doubts that he himself will be good for much more.

Sends CD a list of misprints in vol. 1 of Descent.

Although their language is different, the Bugis are typical Malays both physically and mentally.

Thanks RHB for information on expression in the blind.

Sends queries on expression and asks whether he could answer them with respect to those born blind.

Appreciative response to ARW’s "grand review" of Descent in the Academy [2 (1871–2): 177–82]. Comments in detail on ARW’s criticisms.