Answers VOK’s questions regarding the size of forthcoming Variation and gives his consent to a translation.

But if Origin has not yet been translated into Russian, CD thinks it would be a better book to undertake.

CD has sent some revised proof-sheets and ordered the stereotypes [for Russian translation of Variation]. First volume is dull, but he hopes second is more interesting.

Sends proof-sheets [of Variation]. Will not charge VOK for right of translation.

CD is sorry proof-sheets were lost; hopes clean sheets will have arrived.

Sends a sheet of proofs. Will hold four others until he hears from VOK, because of expensive postage. Thinks illustrating Russian translation [of Variation] with woodcuts from A. E. Brehm’s work [Illustrirtes Thierleben, 4 vols. (1864–7)] is an excellent idea.

Thanks VOK for the present of A. E. Brehm’s Illustrirtes Thierleben [1864–7].

The woodcuts will do admirably [for Variation].

Sends sheets with alterations to be made [in Russian translation of Variation]. VOK should consider adding to the title-page that CD is a Corresponding Member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences (St Petersburg).

"I have received a very large box full of beautiful tea from Russia yesterday … my life is as regular & monotonous as a clock.

I make sure, but wofully slow progress, with my new book."

Asks VOK to translate a passage from Franz Körte, Die Streich-, Zug- oder Wander-Heuschrecke [1828], p. 33.

Deplores the "fearful piece of tyranny" that is obstructing publication of Descent in Russia.

Interested in W. Hepworth Dixon’s Free Russia, but does not know "whether he is to be trusted".

VOK’s hard work in palaeontology will prepare him for future original investigations.

Thanks VOK for sending F. Körte’s book [Die Streich-, Zug- oder Wander-Heuschrecke (1828)]. The passage CD wrote about [see 7735] must occur in the second edition. If VOK ever comes upon the 1829 edition, it would be of use to him.

Agrees that the Versailles army has been savagely brutal [in siege of Paris], but thinks the "Communists [Communards] have made themselves everlastingly infamous".

Sends proofs and details [concerning VOK’s Russian translation of Expression (1872)].

Cost of plates [for Expression] is greater than expected: £75 per 1000 copies.

CD sends schedule for VOK’s visit to Down.

Sends proof-sheets [of Expression].

Is unwell and must stop work and leave home for a time.

VOK’s paper ["Osteology of Hyopotamidae", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 21 (1872–3): 147–65] appears a very valuable one.

Discusses work of VOK’s brother [Alexander] on Sagitta and the ascidians.

Has ordered James Clerk Maxwell’s book [On the stability of the motion of Saturn’s rings (1859)] as a present for Sofya Kovalevsky.

Will be pleased to have VOK come to Down any day.

Thanks VOK for the Russian tea.

Rejoices at his prosperity and appointment at Moscow [Associate Professor, Moscow University, 1880–3].

Thanks VOK for a photograph and his New Year wishes.