Thanks CD for copy of Movement in plants and says he is enjoying it. Is pleased that a full article appeared in the Times. Will go to Beaulieu soon for worm casts. His gardener calls worms “our civil engineers”. Promised to tell Frank how to make plants bend.

Asks WED to observe whether worms consistently draw acacia leaves into their burrows with a particular end first.

Will soon know whether he will need worm-castings from Beaulieu.

Observations on worms’ pulling leaves into their burrows.

Asks whether WED can collect some worm-castings from Beaulieu Abbey.

Will soon manage to go to Beaulieu. Is glad the book is going off well. Is thinking of going to the Roman Villa at Brading on the Isle of Wight.

Gives instructions to WED about looking for earthworm activity at Brading.

Mentions James Geikie’s excellent book [Prehistoric Europe (1881)].

Description of remains of a Roman villa and the worm activity at the site.

Sends diagrams [missing] showing worm action at two sites.

Returns Geikie’s letter; is glad he has accepted settlement of gravel through melting of snow. Is trudging around with hammer and bag with help of Ramsay’s book. Describes visits to Kenilworth and Stratford. Sara consulted a physician. Called on Reginald D. and enjoyed meeting relations and seeing picture of Erasmus. Reginald very taken with George.

Circular letter regarding the distribution of CD’s excess income, with a note addressed to W. E. Darwin concerning his handling of Elizabeth Darwin’s share.

Send CD a present of a fur coat.

Thanks his children for their present of a fur coat.