Thanks JVC for his corrections of "stupid errata" [in Earthworms]. Explains, in answer to JVC’s query, that he has used the word "humus" as the equivalent of vegetable mould.

Thanks CD for copy of Earthworms.

Earthworms leave their burrows on hearing rifle volleys.

DJW’s facts are new and curious. CD has other reasons to believe he was wrong in doubting the effect on earthworms of beating the ground.

CD is glad birth [of Erasmus Darwin] is over and that Ida has borne it so well.

Financial paperwork; pleased at news of Horace and Ida Darwin’s baby, Erasmus.

PG’s article in Encyclopaedia Britannica wonderfully well done ["Insectivorous plants", 9th ed., 13: 134–40].

Admires PG’s researches on chlorophyll in animal kingdom ["Observations on the physiology and histology of Convoluta Schultzii", Proc. Roy. Soc. Lon. 28 (1878–9): 449–57].

Thanks for Earthworms [fifth thousand].

Sends two of his papers.

Declines to provide testimonial for J. C. Ewart, since he has already done so for Lankester. Was also asked by W. C. M’Intosh.

Thanks for copy of Origin with its flattering inscription.

Hopes some day to have leisure to do original research.

Remarks on the sinking of piles of cannonballs in old forts; presumably a consequence of earthworm activity.

Earthworms appear on surface after a heavy storm.

Andrew Clark finds that CD’s heart is perfectly right.

Paperwork relating to 6 Queen Anne Street, London.

Requests autograph.

Sends CD his book of experimental work on fluids [Experimental researches into the properties and motions of fluids (1881)].

Draws his attention to a particular passage on liquid behaviour which, he speculates, may relate to the form of some lower plants.

Sends photograph of a wild goose that survived being shot by a nine-inch arrowhead.

Seeks a testimonial for the Chair of Geology at Edinburgh.

Testimonial letter stating his belief in JG’s suitability for the Chair of Geology at Edinburgh.

Explains he was not a member of the congress [7th International Medical Conference, August 1881], and hence it would be inappropriate to introduce his likeness into the correspondent’s composition.