Offers his services to CD as an observer in the Azores. Has studied the local natural history and is a great disciple of CD’s.

Regrets that CD’s health does not allow him to accept any invitations.

Although CD says in Expression that foxes are not known to lick hands of their masters, RML can report a case of such an occurrence.

Sends seeds of Anemone pulsatilla that bury themselves like feather grass.

Describes seeds sent by George Payne [see 13205]. Is surprised that they bury themselves.

CD complains of discomfort, but has not the strength for a project that would let him forget it.

Thanks correspondent for sending paper on molluscs.

Glad CD approves of diaheliotropic paper. Reports on experiments with Carex and Yucca. Discusses translation of ‘Växtbook’ from Swedish. Heard some excellent music the previous night.

Passes on an account from Cohen of preparations by Hahn of fossil coral-like structures.

Is obliged to RML for pointing out an error in Expression.

At 63 JDH still works hard to support his family. Many friends have died. Memories of times past spent with CD lift his pessimism.

Cheered by JDH’s friendly words.

Wishes he could help JDH with geographical distribution, but the subject has gone out of his mind.

Wants seeds of heterostyled plants to test fertility of illegitimate seedlings.

Offers £100 to FM to replace books lost in flooding.

Plans visit to Ceylon.

Describes rejection of his application for funds by Berlin Academy. Asks about possibility of obtaining support in England. Is writing to Lubbock and Huxley about it.

Hopes that new microscope from Zeiss is satisfactory. Ernst Abbe selected lenses.

Suggests modification in JBH’s experiment on formation of diamonds.

Speculates about chemical products of constituents of living organisms when subjected to heat and pressure.

Thanks for CD’s sympathy for James Croll; George Howard Darwin’s signature would have been welcome.

Has had letter from Rothenburg asking him to help obtain a grant for Haeckel’s expedition to Ceylon.

Koch [of Schweizerbart, publisher of CD’s works in Germany and also publisher of Kosmos] has asked JVC to translate Earthworms and send one chapter of it to Kosmos for advance separate publication. He thinks a chapter on the practical work of the earthworms would be most interesting to the general reader.

Congratulates him on Mastodon discovery.

EH’s scheme to visit Ceylon an excellent one. Has written to Huxley about getting money from Royal Society. If funds are unavailable, would like to subscribe £100.