Agassiz denounces Origin as "atheistical";

AG is currently reviewing it [in Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 29 (1860): 153–84].

Jeffries Wyman praises it, though not a convert.

American edition of Origin. AG’s assessment of the book’s weak and strong points. Suggests Jeffries Wyman would be a useful source of facts and hints for CD.

Arrangements for the American edition of Origin.

Cases of "dioecio-dimorphism" as in primroses are widespread. AG always considered them the first step toward bisexuality.

Gives some observations on the sensitivity of Drosera species and comments on cases of "dioecio-dimorphism".

Notes several cases of "dioecio-dimorphism" in different genera; feels the discovery of pollen that will act only on the pistil of another flower is most important. Believes CD should next turn his attention to investigating cases of "precocious fertilisation".

Discusses observations of his own and of John Torrey on dimorphism, especially in Amsinckia.

Is trying to find specimens of Houstonia for CD.

Discusses dimorphism and suggests CD investigate Valeriana.

Praises CD’s views with respect to the U. S. Civil War and relations with England. Worsening relations between Britain and U. S.

Discusses politics in the U. S. and relations between Britain and America.

Will observe Rhexia for CD to see whether it is dimorphic.

Has been reading J. D. Morell’s new book on psychology [An introduction to mental philosophy, on the inductive method (1862)].

Progress of the Civil War.

Has received first sheets of Orchids and is very impressed. "What a skill & genius you have for these researches."

Details of U. S. orchids.

Has not had time to look at Rhexia.

Progress of Civil War.

Discusses heterostyly in Houstonia.

Discusses dimorphic plants and the occurrence of "precocious fertilisation" in the bud.

Gives some comments on design in nature in the light of the translator’s commentary in the French edition of the Origin.

Reports the recent events of the Civil War.

[Note on verso of envelope:] Utricularia vulgaris is "about as neatly contrived for cross-fertilisation by insects as almost any orchid".

Observations on Platanthera.

Possibility of trimorphism in Mertensia.

Encloses stamps for Leonard Darwin.

Is observing Gymnadenia tridentata.

Has received six copies of Orchids.

Gives J. T. Rothrock’s observations on the structure and fertility of the two forms of Houstonia. Mentions his own observations on Rhexia virginica and Gymnadenia tridentata.

Notes and observations on orchids.