CD’s preface [for Erasmus Darwin] is delayed by his sitting for a portrait.

Explains to EK why he feels unable to contribute articles to Kosmos.

Reports on Joseph Prestwich’s paper, "On the origin of the parallel roads of Lochaber" [read 1 May 1879]. Strongly recommends that the paper be published in Philosophical Transactions [Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. 170 (1880): 663–726].

Try to find and read [a German] account of the fir-trees affected by some fungus which produces upright shoots. CD wants to know whether the case is same as what he has observed in the silver fir. Includes diagram.

Encloses a family document [another letter from F. S. Darwin to R. W. Darwin?].

Asks whether RD has ever heard a story about their grandfather and a highway robber.

Hearty thanks for the two bottles of pure water.

Convinced from the experience of his father and grandfather that no cause has led to so much suffering and inherited ill-health as the consumption of alcohol.

Sends a letter [missing] on the chance that GHD might give the writer information about tides.

Rejoices at GHD’s friendship with Sir W. Thomson and grand vein of research he has struck on.

First draft of life of Dr [Erasmus] D[arwin] is nearly finished.

CD’s sister-in-law, S. E. Wedgwood, is willing to refund £10 of the money paid for her land if the Ecclesiastical Commissioners will write saying she ought to do so, or if a qualified surveyor proves that the first measurement was wrong.

Thanks FAG for "the curious case of inheritance" [see 12064].