AG’s second article on Climbing plants [Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 41 (1866): 125–30].

Fritz Müller’s observations on Rubiaceae.

New edition [4th] of Origin.

Thanks for AG’s trouble about new edition of Origin.

Will be printing his new book [Variation] at the end of the year.

[Forwarded by AG, with covering note, to Mr Fields of Ticknor & Fields.]

L. Agassiz’s evidence [for glaciation of America] is very weak.

Thanks AG for arranging for American edition of Variation, but doubts that the book will be successful.

Has found no differences in pollen of Rhamnus so cannot conjecture whether it is dimorphic.

The common oxlip of England is certainly a hybrid between the primrose and the cowslip whereas Primula elatior is a good species.

Reports experiments on the relative vigour of seedlings from cross- and self-fertilised plants.

JDH writes that he looks forward to Asa Gray's new edition of the MANUAL [OF THE BOTANY OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES]. JDH has found revisions to the New Zealand Manual difficult, especially regarding Cryptogams; amongst which only the algae have been well classified thanks to Harvey. Discusses the delay in publishing the manuscript of GENERA OF CAPE PLANTS. Praises Lefever. Complains that Muller is giving his name to pre-existing species & creating synonyms, apparently on the advice of Alphonse De Candolle [ADC] whom JDH finds arrogant & narrow minded. ADC has been unwilling to accept any of JDH's proposed changes to PRODROMUS SYSTEMATIS NATURALIS REGNI VEGETABILIS. Munro's paper on Bambuseae & Triana's paper on Melastoma will be read at the Linnean Society. Morse & Sons of Boston called at Kew. JDH reads THE NATION. Is glad that the Tories will take up 'the Alabama Case', though JDH is 'a Whig myself' (if anything), he thinks the aristocracy had wiser ideas during the 'American War'. He comments on the relative morals, honour & violent tendencies of the upper, middle & lower classes in Britain, with reference to natural selection. Gives his opinion of Malthus' book on population [AN ESSAY ON THE PRINCIPLE OF POPULATION].

JDH informs Asa Gray that he will be happy to see Mr Dexter or Lawrence regarding the Peabody affair. He has found an earlier indication of Euploca in PEOCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY. Has asked Munroe to reply to Gray directly. Munroe recently read a paper on Bambuseae at the Linnean Society. JDH adds that he is sending Gray a photograph.