Progress of his and Frank Darwin’s work; "all natural science seems now to depend on section-cutting".

Is experimenting with effect of ammonium carbonate on chlorophyll and roots, but finds the results confusing.

Julius von Wiesner has published a book reinterpreting CD’s observations in Movement in plants [see 13422].

Forwards a letter from W. F. P. Pfeffer, who opposes some of Julius Wiesner’s notions on plant movements.

More observations of the radicles of germinating seeds of Euphorbia peplus for appearance of milk-tubes.

Comments on J. v. Wiesner’s and W. F. P. Pfeffer’s views and criticism of his experiments.

Would be grateful for some Euphorbia species for examination of the roots. "The subject is by no means worth all the labour I am bestowing on it, but I cannot bear to be beaten."

Elaborates on the theories propounded in his recently published work [Earthworms], describing the reproductive system of worms and the absorption of organic matter in the soil. [See 13483.]

Tremendously interested by GHD’s news [about the Plumian Professorship at Cambridge]. Suggests he get William Thomson to write to the electors.

Wishes to contribute to subscription to pay legal expenses of David Ferrier [in vivisection prosecution].

Comments on physiological papers.

Cannot read signature on letter sent via JDH from Lima.

Thanks for Life, letters and journals of Sir Charles Lyell, Bart. (K. M. Lyell ed. 1881), but he has already ordered a copy. Can he send the ordered copy to her to give to another, or can he send it on her behalf?

Magnificent supply of Euphorbiae arrived safely.

Must refuse WCM’s request to revise E. Ray Lankester's testimonial.

Writes to ask how much he should subscribe to fund for David Ferrier.

Hopes WPS may succeed with a new edition of his book [see 13495]. WPS saw so much more of the natives of Tierra del Fuego than did CD and his opinion of them is probably right.

Discourages him from visiting.

Rows of cells with granular matter following treatment with carbonate of ammonia also found in white and young rootlets of common zonal Pelargonium. Differs slightly from Euphorbia in that 2, 3, 4, or 5 rows often adjoin. CD wrong in supposing that these rows of cells were connected with lacticiferous ducts ("milk-tubes"). Root hairs arise exclusively from rows of cells without brownish granular matter. It appears that certain rows of cells with hairs are absorbent and store matter of some kind. This is a new view of the structure and function of rootlets. Francis Darwin will soon set up the salt solution to make the experiment SHV recommends.

Discusses milk ducts in Euphorbia [spurge].

Sends copies of Variation, Descent, and Journal of researches from "the library of my late brother".

Thanks him for magnificent work on Pycnogonida [The zoology of the voyage of H. M. S. Challenger, vol. 3, part 10 (1881)].

Is delighted that he is undertaking the Cirripedia [1883–4].

At Mrs Lyell’s request, passes on a spare copy of K. M. Lyell ed. 1881.

Last issue of Nature has made him "awfully proud". [See R. S. Ball, "A glimpse through the corridors of time", Nature 25 (1881): 79–82.]