Differences in size and weight in deerhounds, with tables of comparative weights according to sex. Promises information on weights of deerhound puppies. Effects of cross- and inbreeding.

Proportion of sexes in pigeons, pigs, and pheasants.

Sexual preferences of females.

On hybridism between the fox and dog; asks whether CD knows of a reliable case of offspring from this cross.

Does CD want details on a white cat with blue eyes, but not deaf?

Sexual differences in antelopes (Indian and African).

Sends a single specimen of Drosophyllum lusitanicum with description from F. de Avellar Brotero’s Flora Lusitanica [1804].

Discusses Portuguese ferns,

inherited mutilation,

and the earth’s geological history.

Evolution of behaviour and beauty by natural selection.

Further observations on horns of fallow deer. Sends fawn’s head.

Is forwarding potted specimens of Drosophyllum.

Will make inquiries about sheep.

Weir’s paper on relation of protection to colour of caterpillars [Trans. R. Entomol. Soc. Lond. (1869): 21–6; (1870): 337–9] confirms ARW’s hypothesis.

Suggests that ground ice, in Canada and similar countries, is a mode of distribution of boulders and animal and vegetable life.

Sends statement [missing] of cost and proceeds of publishing Facts and arguments for Darwin at 6s. Asks whether CD agrees to this price.

Nothing new in Lushington’s letter. Two paragraphs are offensive – that THH sought to stir up Scotch Presbyterian prejudices against Comte at Edinburgh and that he had not read Comte.

Orchids translation should goad [French] Academy into electing CD.

JDH will be sent to St Petersburg congress by Government.

Huxley on protoplasm; his address to Geological Society.

Fertilised an Aucuba with pollen of various species. Reports on results.

Thanks for money, which will enable him to complete publication. Explains principles of his physiological theory.

Book [Facts and arguments for Darwin] is being bound; it is probably too late to alter lettering.

EF is seeking a French editor for Orchids [1870]. Introduces L. Rérolle, his student. [See 6667.]

Last letter was written to be passed on for Lushington’s edification. "(Standing on the points of my toes and my tail very stiff)." Is tiring of controversy as a waste of time. Begins to understand CD’s sufferings over Origin.

LR undertakes translation of Orchids [1870]. Awaits CD’s new footnotes and intends to look at every flower CD mentions.

The cirripede material mentioned in CD’s letter of 10 Feb has not arrived. [Asks CD to inquire of Williams and Norgate, who forwarded it.]

His observations of the chickens hatched from eggs of an isolated pair of pure-bred black-boned fowl. Nine were black-boned, two were like ordinary fowl.

Quotes a Mr Holdsworth on unusual expressions of Singhalese and Tamils in pointing and beckoning.

Has given a lecture series on Darwinism which was attended by 200–500 students.

Would like to compile a list of CD’s works.