Thinks CD’s views of insect agency and crossing might explain structure and variations of papilionaceous flowers. Lists five points. Asks CD’s opinion.

On H. C. Watson’s false and contemptuous criticism of [J. D. Hooker and T. Thomson] Flora Indica [1855].

W. B. Carpenter’s deep-sea dredgings.

James Croll’s last paper ["On geological time", Philos. Mag. 35 (1868): 363; 36 (1868): 141, 362].

Comments on glaciers in North America.

Asks if glacial periods have occurred alternately in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Relevant to his glacial discoveries in South America: "it would have been an immense relief to my mind if I could have assumed … this". CD wishes to discuss subject in new edition of Origin [5th].

Comments on experience of being a father.

Discusses possible English edition of Generelle Morphologie. Mentions necessary revisions.

Thanks CD for comment on Natürliche Schöpfungsgeschichte.

Discusses problem of assigning specific times to origin of classes.

CD thought Watson’s article beastly in its criticisms of JDH. Watson’s criticism of CD was not new or important, but fair, so CD could honestly thank him, adding his regret at what was said about JDH.

Is sitting for Woolner bust.

Has read James Croll on alternation of glacial and warmer periods in north and south, which would remove JDH’s objections to cool period extending to equator.

Anxious to hear how the Lubbocks take the disastrous termination to their hopes. [Sir John Lubbock was defeated in the Parliamentary election on 25 Nov 1868.]

JL’s failure to be elected to Parliament.

Thanks JP for congratulations on success of George Darwin at Cambridge.

Does not have time to investigate propagation of Cardamine.

Asks MB to forward information to CD regarding works dealing with expression, in particular refers to Sir Charles Bell’s work The nervous system [3d ed. (1836)].

WSD has been elected Assistant Secretary of the Geological Society after a sharp struggle. CD’s support was greatly in his favour.

Has finished Für Darwin. It has been a difficult job.

He and Mrs G pleased to receive CD’s letter indicating that he found their observations worthy of attention.

Hopes soon to be able to answer CD’s queries on first plumage of chickens of black-boned variety of fowl.

Is doing a British Flora [The student’s flora of the British Islands (1870)], for students, more scientific and more complete than former editions.

His opinion of Bentham’s [British] Flora [1858].

On Croll’s extension of glaciers – a huge relief to get rid of simultaneous cooling of the whole globe.

Watson’s garbling of passage in JDH’s Flora Indica is unprincipled.

Thanks CD for advice to watch the action and not only the structure [of plants].

A letter strongly recommending him for the post of Assistant Secretary of the Geological Society.