Calls CD’s attention to the fact that Huxley’s view [in Lessons in elementary physiology (1866)] of lymphatic fluid as overflow from blood supports CD’s view of secretion of tears in Expression.

Thanks to CD his candidature for the Zoological Society has been entertained.

Observed a flamingo, at the Zoological Gardens, that vomited on a bustard in answer to the latter’s harsh cries.

Poa annua shows putative evidence of nectar secretion in grasses. He will continue observations as CD requests.

Comments about questionnaire CD completed for FG [for Galton’s English men of science (1874)].

Describes his early interest in collecting and his education.

Asks about determining the mean heights of two groups of men.

Wants a picture of CD for a book he is writing on the history of natural sciences.

He will keep the portrait of CD.

Light sense in dogs.

Thanks CD for completed questionnaire;

answers his query about determining mean heights of men.

Further comments on HM’s [Befruchtung der Blumen (1873)].

Has sent off the last of the letters. Anne Sheepshanks is 83 and still clear in the head. If she visits the Royal Academy, she will see the bust of Augustus De Morgan there.

JDH thanks Asa Gray for sending him some boxes of roots. He has received useful information regarding North American Pines from George Engelmann, whom he wishes would also study American oaks. Mentions: a case of Sikkim Rhododendrons for H. Hunnewell, death of John Torrey, sending Bolander subtropical plants including hardier palms. Some boxes from Gray arrived smashed, some things were lost possibly including the Pinguicula & Chaptalia. JDH owes Charles Sprague Sargent a letter. Ashes are hopeless, the arboretum has been hard work the past winter. JDH will go to France with Thomas Henry Huxley [THH] who has been recommended a holiday for his health. George Bentham is working on Mimosas for Martius' Flora. William Thiselton-Dyer is to withdraw from the Horticultural Society & give a series of lectures on botany at South Kensington for the National School teachers. JDH explains what form the lectures will take, they are modelled after THH's zoology lectures. JDH has been unwell but is recovered & has resumed work on the Vaccineae for GENERA PLANTARUM. Welwitsch affair not yet settled. Owen's wife has died. The Royal Commission will recommend that RBG Kew become the national herbarium with a separate Paleontological one at the British Museum [of Natural History].

No summary available.

Address moved by [William Jackson] Hooker and agreed at the Linnean Society anniversary meeting, congratulating Pleasance Smith on her 100th birthday.