On private property, with regard to tools and arms; comments on Maine’s book and the history of law regarding property.

Observations on orchids. Ophrys apifera; confirms CD’s observation on pollinia.  The nesting of ducks in trees is an example of change of instinct and habit.

Sorry he will be away when CD comes down.

Congratulations on Henrietta Darwin’s engagement.

Asks CD for seeds of some plants.

Suggests possible experiments with Pisum and Lathyrus.

Has read the article CD spoke of; the doctrine of inherited mental and corporeal qualities is most fertile.

Observations on Coronilla.

Hopes affairs will enable him to get back to flowers.

Huxley’s letter [about the fund raised for him] was noble. Would like to have seen CD’s to him.

Observations on effect of water on leaves.

Coronilla.

Further observations concerning the fertilisation of Coronilla by bees.

Reflections concerning the influence of cultivation (i.e., ploughing) upon variation.

Payne will send vine cuttings.

Thomas Belt has been visiting; they are to meet Huxley.

He is moved by denudation of the Weald.

THF would do a good deal if he gets Agricultural Society to rear cross-fertilised seeds. Society excellent channel for distribution of fungus-proof variety [of potato]. If James Torbitt will carry on work another year, CD will offer him £100.

Describes James Torbitt’s plan for producing disease-resistant potato varieties. [Letter is an earlier version of 11406.]

Agricultural Society will not do potato experiments. Torbitt telegraphs that seeds to be sown tomorrow. Memorial with a few signatures might get grant from Government. Hooker believes plan the right one.

Forwards letter from James Caird concerning funds for potato experiments. CD will correct his letter to THF [11389] and then forward it to Hooker for his opinion.

Has returned letter to Caird and dispatched corrected letter to Hooker [11406] [concerning potato experiments].

Hooker approves of Torbitt’s plan [concerning potato experiments]. Torbitt, wine and spirit merchant in Belfast, highly respectable.

Thanks THF and James Caird for their assistance. Will send back the £100 to Torbitt.

Wishes to call on THF to discuss the situation with regard to Horace Darwin [who wishes to marry THF’s daughter, Emma Cecilia (Ida)].

Forwards newspaper reports by growers of Torbitt’s potatoes. Torbitt is in much distress and CD fears all his work will be thrown away unless he is aided.

Discusses financial and other arrangements for marriage of Horace Darwin and Ida Farrer. Mentions anticipated inheritance of children.