Renews subscription to Index.

Was interested in FEA’s lecture on "The God of science" [Index 24 Feb 1872].

Thanks for AG’s book, How plants behave [see 8363].

Is correcting proofs of Expression.

Has read JD’s articles in the Gardeners’ Chronicle [(1872): 872, 904–5].

Questions him on the fertility of certain varieties of Pelargonium which are fertile with some varieties but infertile with others.

Sends publication details of Coral reefs, which he thinks is now only available in Geology of the ‘Beagle’: Geological observations on coral reefs, volcanic islands, and on South America.

CD wants no more alterations than are necessary [to proofs of Expression]. Warns LD that "any alteration seems at first an improvement".

Overjoyed at the way the newspapers have taken up JDH’s case. The memorial has done great good this way, whatever the wretched Government does. It is enough to make one a Tory. JDH has done a service to all men of science by showing governments that they cannot be trampled on.

Comments on enclosed discussion of S. American geology by Agassiz. Mentions elevation of Patagonia and glaciation.

Has not strength or time to hunt for Herminium monorchis; has failed to make orchid seeds germinate.

Discusses JD’s crossing experiments with Pelargonium; notes that his conclusions on male prepotence oppose those of Gärtner. Suggests that his observations on differences in fertility of certain varieties of Pelargonium crossed with certain other varieties be communicated to the Linnean Society.

Orders a very small pot of "purest & best Extract of Hyosciamus for experimental purposes".

Will send second proofs of Expression.

Glad JVC has finished translating Origin.

Assures him that Mivart’s book [On the genesis of species (1871)] has produced a great effect in England and America. CD has discussed incipient structures at some length because it enabled him to give many cases of gradation.

Asks JVC to note that he does not vouch for Expression’s being worth translating.

Is correcting proofs for Expression.

Family news.

Thanks for JLGK’s article [see 8331].

CD thinks it a pity that Owen shows so little consideration for the judgment of other naturalists.

Comments on Brace’s work [The dangerous classes of New York (1872)].

Discusses the mutual sterility of some varieties of Pelargonium.

Thanks for her pains over corrections [for Expression].

CD cannot improve style [of Expression] without great changes. "I am sick of the subject, and myself, and the world".

Thanks HF for his essay ["Über den Einfluss der Naturwissenschaft auf das Recht", Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik 18 (1872): 248–77]. CD gives views favouring competition among trades unions and the working classes.

No summary available.

On ARW’s "crushing" review [Nature 6 (1872): 237–9] of C. R. Bree’s An exposition of fallacies in the hypothesis of Mr Darwin.

Comments on other reviews and exchanges.