Grieves over poor account of her health. Emma and Henrietta are also ill.

The Society’s rejection of R. L. Tait’s paper on Nepenthes is a lesson which will last CD for his life. It is clear that he should not have sent it.

Thanks for CD’s assistance and his advice on crossing.

Two student adherents of his theory correct an error in Insectivorous plants.

Observations on expression and variation in cats.

The Royal Society have returned RLT’s Nepenthes paper and will not have it read because of unfavourable reports from referees.

CD preparing new English and German editions of his early geology [of the voyage of the Beagle] books. Asks for Hooker’s copies as he no longer has his own.

Is elated by his work on the alteration in the earth’s axis and the displacement of the poles. [See 10689.]

Apologises for placing CD in the objectionable position of sponsor for a rejected paper. RLT has gone over old ground in ignorance.

Forwards copies of CD’s geology books.

Sends Mind. Henry Sidgwick’s article ["The theory of evolution in its application to practice", Mind 1 (1876): 52–67] is so clear it makes CD feel "a muddle-headed man". But he disagrees with Sidgwick on the origin of morality within tribes.

Is sure mathematical discussion of elevation of continents will be valued by geologists.

Sends Thiselton-Dyer’s suggestions for references to Nepenthes,

and gives his opinion on what will influence the Royal Society’s Council in considering RLT’s candidacy.

CD has just had an interview with Edward Frankland, who "almost laughs" at FD’s idea of getting potash and soda out of the soil by treating it with sulphuric acid. Asks FD to send him a soil sample to give to Frankland. Sends enclosures giving address and labels for soil samples.

JT may publish enclosed [letter by CD?], but it is not worth publication.