Will do what he can for Lord Sackville Cecil, but he, himself, cannot get to séances when he likes. Introduction of a stranger always disturbs séances. Person most likely to help would be Lord Lindsey.

Messrs Clowes have received MS of Expression. JM submits specimen pages for CD’s approval.

Sends CD a copy of the memorial supporting Hooker’s case against A. S. Ayrton’s interference in the administration of Kew Gardens.

AT is trying to publish his paper with important evidence on "the pluvial period".

Proposes calling on CD with Prof. Wrightson of Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.

O. N. Rood sends two copies of an amusing picture by T. F. Beard, "The young Darwinian" to AG, who forwards one to CD.

CD has been elected a Foreign Member of the Magyar Tudományos Akademia [Hungarian Academy of Sciences].

HS hopes in the future to show more fully "absolute emptiness" of James Martineau’s propositions; is glad CD approved of his article dealing with JM’s arguments. [J. Martineau, "The place of mind in nature", Contemp. Rev. 19 (1872): 606–23; H. Spencer, "Mr Martineau on evolution", Contemp. Rev. 20 (1872): 141–54.]

Expects the memorial to make Gladstone frantic. Government regrets granting Lord Derby the correspondence and Lubbock has been advised to postpone calling for it in Lower House. This looks fishy. Is exhausted by the affair.

Reports a monkey-like child in Teneriffe.

In England to write a monograph on Anthracotherium.

A goat in Breslau recently gave birth to three kids, two normal but one almost entirely lacking in hair.

Asks CD for seeds of some plants.

Has been appointed Assistant Keeper at the British Museum.

Privately advises CD against having anything to do with W. P. Snow, whose personality and past conduct on a mission vessel were very bad.

Reports on the successes of the missionaries on the Beagle Channel [Tierra del Fuego].

Sends CD the first part of his Swedish translation of Descent [1872].

Her husband is very ill;

her book on cats does not go well.

Comments on Descent.

Attempts to explain differing sex ratios in births from illegitimate unions, Jewish marriages, and Christian marriages.

Speculates on role of male and female elements in conception.

Thinks survival of individual conflicts in some degree with survival of species; for example, hybrids often live longer than fertile individuals.

Replies to CD’s queries. Duke of Cornwall Pelargonium is fertile with its own pollen. Has failed to produce hybrids from other varieties besides P. peltatum and P. elegans. Sends numbers of the Florist which contain an account of his mode of procedure ["On cross-breeding pelargoniums" Florist & Pomologist (1872): 10, 34, 50].

Reports a confirmation of his theory of the prepotence of the male parent.

Will not pass through London, so will not be able to call at Down.