Thanks for letter and journals. Sends information on earthworms and also information from Mr Ruck. Describes his fishing and his success finding sea shore plants that are new to him.

Sends his paper on "Natural science and morality", notwithstanding CD’s disinclination for the subject. This work parallels H. Spencer’s in the Data of ethics [1879].

Clerk Maxwell and William Thomson have encouraged his work in physics; STP looks for CD’s support on evolution.

Cobaea fertilisation.

Describes moth-pollination of gentian growing on Venezuelan mountains.

Appreciates what CD says about his writing on two diverse subjects. Argues for value of "interdisciplinary approach". Has CD seen the pamphlet, "Physics and ethics" which he co-authored with an anonymous friend?

On growth and development of Drosera.

HM’s son will visit CD when he comes to London.

Is glad CD approves of his judgment of G. Bonnier’s paper on nectaries [Gaston Bonnier, "Les nectaires", Ann. Sci. Nat. (Bot.) 8 (1879): 5–212].

Inquires whether a printed letter of CD’s [see 11902] correctly represents his views on vegetarianism.

Responds to CD’s offer to pay for subscription to Kosmos.

Comments on his own honorarium for English edition of Erasmus Darwin. Success of German edition.

Sends specimens of what he takes to be barnacles found on rocks in the mountains.

Asks CD to invite William James to stay before he returns to America.

"Barnacles" [from rocks in Scottish mountains, identified as lichens],

burglar alarms,

and family news.

Plans to visit Down.

Believes he knows some "great truth" and wishes to meet with CD to discuss it.

Overjoyed at having met CD.

Sends a paper by William Whitaker [? "On subaerial denudation", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 23 (1867): 265–6].