Does not fact that characters important in systematics are often of no use, corroborate CD’s view that such characters, if not detrimental, may persist ad infinitum?

Social news.

Sends MS. Asks CD to recommend it to a scientific society.

Librarian to the Board of Trade proposes a celebration of CD’s 60th birthday by the Vienna Free Press.

Honoured to be mentioned with Alexander von Humboldt, who was an inspiration to him.

Returns a book on beavers borrowed from CD.

Asks whether JL would be prepared to sign a petition on behalf of Miss Eliza Meteyard who is seeking a civil list pension.

Down School funds.

Explains the point about gravitation and heat that CD does not understand in J. Croll’s letter [6218?].

Cambridge news.

Sends abstract of an article by Carrière [J. Agric. Pratique 1 (1869): 159–67] on the improvement of wild radish by selection.

Thanks for abstract of Moseley’s paper on motion of glaciers [see 6599]. Reading it convinced him that Tyndall’s received view is wrong. Has formed a new view, which he has sent to Philosophical Magazine [4th ser. 37 (1869): 201–6].

CD signed the petition, had Sir Charles Lyell do so also, and then forwarded the memorial to Sir John Lubbock.

Sends CD his pamphlet [Über Landwirtschaftlichen Genossenschaften (1868)];

expresses his admiration for CD’s work.

Habits of the fallow deer during the breeding season. [See Descent, 2d ed., p. 803.]

One of his students is interested in translating Orchids into French.

Her memorial [for civil list pension] with the signatures of CD, John Lubbock, and Charles Lyell has arrived. It is now going to W. E. Gladstone.

Has been trying to get Drosophyllum lusitanicum for CD.

Intends to breed from two pointers born tailless.

Answers CD’s letter of 15 Feb about voice of female and odour of stag red deer.

Gives his opinion of Rolla Charles Meadows Rouse, who is tutoring Horace Darwin in mathematics.

Has not heard that Horace has a chance of a minor scholarship.

Thanks JJM for translating long paper [by Carrière, J. Agric. Pratique 48 (1869): 159–67]. Paper interesting especially for showing variation has been different under different conditions.

Asks CD for references to animal breeders in order to test the hypothesis that mimicry arises through direct action of mental impressions received through the sense of sight.

Supports natural selection and Pangenesis.