Sends the Fritz Müller article from Kosmos.

Thanks for HNM’s [Notes by a naturalist on the "Challenger" (1879)].

Orders a sheet of gold-beater’s skin for plant experiments.

Acknowledges receipt of diploma.

Has told John Lubbock how highly he thinks of HNM’s work, and has heard that HMN’s claims will be fully considered.

Has offered Leopold Würtenberger money to aid in his work.

Movements in Oxalis.

It will give CD real pleasure to propose HWB for F.R.S. Asks that he send him the necessary information for the certificate as well as a list of men he would like to sign it. He should not be disappointed if not elected first time. [Bates elected F.R.S. 2 June 1881.]

Comments on EM’s work in Dolomites [Die Dolomit-Riffe von Südtirol (1879)]. Had wondered whether ancient corals formed reefs.

Obliged for EM’s photograph. Sends his own.

Declines to sign petition concerning Professorship of Pathology at Cambridge.

Heliotropic movements. Is giving up experiments until the spring.

Comments on HNM’s book [Notes by a naturalist on the "Challenger" (1879)].

Wishes to subscribe to RM’s translation of Weismann.

Has seen Scudder’s article.

A. R. Wallace’s article ["Animals and their native countries", Nineteenth Century 5 (1879): 247–59] is excellent.

Gives results of the experiments: the leaves in most cases make the water alkaline. It cannot be ammonia. He and his son, Francis, suspect potash, which is valued as a manure. Will be grateful for the analysis EF has offered.

Thanks KA and the other editors of Kosmos for the issue published in honour of his birthday. Sees there is much in it that will interest him greatly.

Thanks ADeB for sending him Botanische Zeitung, but asks him to send it no more, as CD takes it regularly and has procured the volumes from the beginning.

Disagrees with GH over the value of cross-fertilisation.

Thanks for honour of latest number of Kosmos.

Encloses HWB’s Royal Society certificate with seven signatures, which CD thinks is ample.

Thanks for kind letter.

Has not yet read EH’s article in Kosmos ["Einstämmiger und vielstämmiger Ursprung", 4 (1878–9): 360–76].

Rudolf Virchow affair lamentable. Virchow’s conduct inexplicable.