Intends to begin a journal reviewing the botanical literature.

Sends his book [Die Geschlechter-Vertheilung bei den Pflanzen (1867)].

Agrees that new title of Variation is an improvement. Now thinks 1500 copies a safe number to print.

Sends Naudin’s letter.

Pangenesis.

Benjamin Clarke is mad.

Interested in CD’s Ipomoea experiment.

Scott’s experiments are all in CD’s favour.

Clarifies a sentence in "Insular floras".

Is sending a copy of [John] Shaw’s book, which Lady Bell says is based on Charles Bell’s papers [possibly C. Bell, A treatise on diseases of the urethra, 3d ed. with notes by John Shaw (1822)].

Agrees to publish German edition of Variation.

Discusses publication of third German ed. of Origin.

Thanks CD for portrait.

More on Naudin’s hybrid; the wonder lessened slightly.

JDH’s view that insular plants [distantly] related to those of continents are common came to him only after the lecture was in print; has not yet thought it out fully.

Moroccan flora may throw some light on Madeira flora.

The Origin converted him from a Linnean interpretation of flowers and mosses.

Glad that CD appreciates his continuing work on mosses, in support of natural selection.

Plans to repeat CD’s orchid experiments.

Sends interpretation of the floral anatomy of Lopezia miniata.

Thanks for subscription.

Reports experiments with wheat.

Sends notes on producing varieties by pruning.

Discusses the practice of exogamy; asks if any animals have an instinctive repugnance to inbreeding.

Sends CD a Cardigan Jacket, ‘one of the most delightful inventions of the age’.

Discusses the Duke of Argyll.

Has printed copies of CD’s queries [on expression] and will distribute them.

Will be glad to have seeds of plants and CD’s climbing plant, which he has no doubt is Siphocampylus.

Anxious about his baby [Reginald Hooker].

On Hottentot ideas of beauty in women; their preference for women with large posteriors. [See Descent 2: 345–6.]

Forwards some plant specimens to CD for his comments.

Working on sexual differences in collection of horned beetles and will send CD results.

Answers CD’s questions [sent on behalf of Miss Tollet of Betley Hall, Staffs.] on mimicry – how it helps prevent extinction, the modifications occurring with a change of habitat until mimicry occurred.

Also gives some cases of sexual differences.

Thanks CD for information.

Answers CD’s queries about polygamous birds. Does not think appearance of cock makes any difference to female. Dyeing the male has no effect on female.

Finds that after 12 years among north-western Indians he can answer positively only one of CD’s queries about expression. They do blush from shame or anger.

Baby’s situation hopeless.

E. Perceval Wright on way to Seychelles for collecting.

Summarises his 12-page letter in which he responds to CD’s criticisms of his theory of ‘perfectibility’.