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.

Thinks a new U. S. edition of Origin is needed.

Gives observations on the climbing habits of Bignonia capreolata.

Is trying to arrange a new American edition of Origin.

Gives notes on Passiflora acerifolia [on cover].

Appleton’s cannot alter their plates so as to reproduce revised work [Origin, 4th ed.]. Has made it clear that CD could not do otherwise than object strenuously to course they intend to pursue, and has asked them to return the sheets. Wishes CD’s publisher would supply U. S. market with large numbers of copies, as the English edition could well compete with any American one. Encloses [statement of sales of U. S. edition of Origin to 1 February 1866].

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.]

Appleton’s will not print a new edition of Origin.

AG has read sheets of new English edition [4th] and is much pleased by the passage on Richard Owen in the historical sketch.

Hopes to make good arrangement for publication of CD’s Variation.

Agassiz claims to have proved all of America was covered with unbroken ice during the glacial period.

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.

Does not think he can persuade American publishers to reprint [4th English ed. of] Origin in U. S. Suggests Murray supply copies of it and the new book [Variation] to the American market.

Arranges for distribution of new [4th] English edition of Origin in the U. S.

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.