Kew affairs.

H. J. Carter’s observations are wonderful but want verification.

Skeptical of H. H. Travers’ observations.

Has made observations on pollination mechanism in Medicago sativa [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 9 (1867): 327–9], which his brother-in-law [J. D. Hooker] would accept. Wants to check that CD has not already made them.

Also sends interpretation of Salvia.

His observations come from following CD’s generalisation in Origin [p. 79] on necessity of out-crossing.

Discusses "Climbing plants" and his own abstract of it.

CD should publish results of self-fertilising dimorphic plants.

Pleased CD confirms his observations on Salvia.

Spring action of Medicago stamens described.

Grateful for CD’s approval of Chapters on language.

Is inclined to believe that the races of man were primordially distinct.

Has heard from Huxley that CD has been ill.

Progress on his book [Generelle Morphologie (1866)] has been slow.

Has been named "ordentlicher Professor". Has 150 listeners in his lectures on CD’s theory.

Thanks CD for copy [of "Climbing plants"].

Sends his book [Beiträge zur Naturgeschichte der Hydromedusen, 1. Heft: Die Familie der Rüsselquallen (Geryonidae) (1865)] and two articles.

Calls attention to a new rhizopod from Nice.

Sends facsimile reproduction of CD’s handwriting [Autographic Mirror 3 (1865) no. 262]. Requests a sample of Dr Erasmus Darwin’s hand and autograph for publication.

Returns 19 of the letters CD lent her, so that he can choose one for the Autographic Mirror.

John Brent [book?] has come, and he will send it.

Hopes CD will visit again.

Praises CD’s theory.

Comments on criticism of CD’s work by Duke of Argyll.

Beauty in nature as caused by sexual selection.

Asks Emma to write to Erasmus [E. A. Darwin] in support of Miss Elizabeth Garrett as Professor of Physiology at Bedford College for girls.

Thanks for the three Erasmus Darwin letters. Two have been returned to Eliza Meteyard. HK has kept the one about the French gentleman for publication [Autographic Mirror 4 (1866) no. 70].

Does not like the photos; thinks they should try again.

Last account of Susan Darwin reports she is having a good deal of faintness.

Gratified that JS defends views of Origin.

Thinks beauty of flowers is solely to attract insects.