Has found no Sarcina on the slides of fluid [see 4272] and nothing referable to the food. Will repeat examination if vomiting recurs.

Discusses methods of pollination in orchids.

Thinks RT should investigate Physianthus to see if it requires insect aid for fertilisation as the Asclepiadaceae do.

[Roland] Trimen of the Cape of Good Hope sends evidence that a moth [Achaea chamaeleon] is capable of perforating the skin of a peach with its delicate proboscis. Have any readers observed moths or butterflies sucking any fruit of which the skin was not previously broken?

Admits, at last, that New Zealand must have been connected to some continent, but not Australia.

Climbing plants: asks for more plants.

The phial of fluid sent by CD is acid. Sends his microscopical examination.

Duke of Argyll has been dubbed "Duke Darwinii" by papers.

Large number of toads have been found in railway cuttings; wishes a scientific observer had taken pains to explain where they came from.

Comments on Scottish schools and on the morals of the adult poor.

HF will send E. Suess’s paper [Edouard Suess, "Über die Verschiedenheit und die Aufeinanderfolge der tertiären Landfaunen in der Niederung von Wien", Sitzungsberichte der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien (Math–nat. Klasse) 47 (1863): 306–31] which deals directly with natural selection.

Discusses and suggests treatments for CD’s stomach complaint. Recommends he consult William Brinton.

Forwards an enclosure for CD, at Archdeacon John Sinclair’s request [extract from J. Sinclair’s Life and works of Sir John Sinclair (1837) 2: 83–5], showing how Dr Erasmus Darwin anticipated Justus von Liebig [in recognising the importance of phosphorus-rich manures].

No summary available.

No summary available.

His note and the maps have arrived safely. Has made the necessary arrangements for the night of the 10th.

Charles Few will send deed for JH's signature. It transfers property of CB's sister [Mary Anne Hollier] in Cardiff to Marquis of Bute [J. P. C. Stuart]. Expects no further changes in trust and no more troubles for JH. Saw Alexander Herschel's work on 'shooting stars' published by B.A.A.S. Illness of CB's son [Henry P. Babbage] in India. CB's latest book.

Instructions for signing and returning deed [of conveyance for Woodlands property in Hollier Trust]. [JH annotation, 19 Aug. 1863: Received and executed deed. It was witnessed by JH's son William, now recently returned from Bengal and resident at Hawkhurst for next three years. Returned deed to Few & Stamford.]

Received deed of conveyance for Woodlands property, in Hollier Trust, executed by JH. Will advise JH when money has been received.

Thanks WC for a copy of a paper published by WC in the P.M.

RR's brother-in-law values proximity to Collingwood. Discusses flora and the state of botanical science at the Cape. Sends letter from colonial botanist.

Thanks JH for criticism of manuscript. Sends revised introductory paragraph. Thanks him for kindness to Signore Capellini. Scientific interest in Italy grows as politics settle.

Describes in vivid detail the account of an 'extraordinary meteor' in October 1854. Given by a person from Hurworth.

Tells AQ that last letter on meteors was written not by JH but by A. S. Herschel. JH attributes phenomena to cosmic origins. Gives further details.