CD asks if he can call tomorrow (Friday) at 9: 30, and offers to come on Saturday if that would suit CL better.
Observations on a bird that used a stone to break open a snail.
Reports of a tooth found in the testicle of a horse.
Hares are very fleet in countries in which greyhound coursing is developed, slow in those in which no greyhounds are kept.
"… Mr Herbert Spencer. I will call tomorrow about half past 12".
CD’s plans have changed. He will be in London the following week and therefore able to call on correspondent.
Asks if he may call on Sunday at 10 o’clock.
Describes the floral structure of broom, particularly the form of the varying anthers. Encloses drawings of anthers and pollen.
Herbert Spencer is staying with the Lubbocks and would much like to see CD.
Wants to publish his observation on colour changes in Matthiola seeds.
Has been crossing cotton.
Approves of C. V. Naudin and Max Wichura.
Asks for reference to EB’s article about tame deer on island in Aral Sea.
Local matters.
Asks GHD what the chances are against squinting and non-squinting children coming alternately in a family of ten.
Ovules of males of two forms [of Rhamnus catharticus?] are abortive and both females have incomplete stamens.
Requests that correspondent take some action regarding the state of horses on his farm. Robert Ainslie of Tromer Lodge, Down, was fined in 1852 following CD’s complaints.
Gives CD some references to papers.
Reports improvement in his wife’s health.
Lyell calculates enviously that CD can do more work than any of the philosophers.
Has a small living at Norton Canon.
Will visit Charles Whitley next week.
CL is aware that she is dying and so says her farewells.
A report on his somewhat improved health.
Discussion of ducks. CD asks for information on a domestic Chinese race about which Robert Swinhoe wrote to CD. Compares Chinese duck with Anas poecilorhyncha and Boschas.
Notes improvement in health.