Bad month of sickness. John Chapman’s ice bag on spine.

Does not quite agree with JDH about Lubbock’s plagiarism charges. Lyell’s memory must have failed him.

Thanks for note; sends photograph taken by one of his sons.

His continued ill-health has prevented him making the acquaintance of many.

There is no chance of publication [of Variation] by autumn, because of CD’s illness.

Has lost time through illness.

Suggests an experiment to see whether the progeny of a pigeon cross are affected by a previous impregnation.

Agrees with JDH on Lyell–Lubbock controversy except that Lubbock’s printed note does not seem to him insulting. Hopes JDH can heal the breach.

Thanks for note; mentions borrowing and returning volumes. Orders a volume containing a paper by R. J. H. Dutrochet ["Recherches sur la volubilité des tiges de certains végétaux et sur la cause de ce phénomène", C. R. Hebd. Acad. Sci. 19 (1844): 295–303].

Notes that his health is better.

Believes GM’s reported monstrosity is not rare. Does not believe it resulted from the effect of the imagination of the mother on her offspring.

Reports on progress of ice treatment.

JL’s book [Prehistoric times (1865)] is "most original".

Wishes him success in politics.

Huxley’s capital, witty letter.

Charles Kingsley has written of his interest in "Climbing plants".

Health has been very bad.

Did not think anyone would notice case of Lathyrus.

Recalls reading correspondent’s paper on great fir woods of Hampshire.

Thanks for photograph.