Is glad to hear that Hermann Müller approves of D’AWT’s translation of his work [Die Befruchtung der Blumen (1873)]; he hopes a publisher may be found for a work of such high value.

Regrets he can add no more to his preface for Weismann’s Studies. Offers donation to aid with publishing expenses.

Thinks RM’s preface is excellent.

Testifies to F. W. Surman’s good character and honesty.

Discusses plate for use in article ["Action of carbonate of ammonia on chlorophyll-bodies", Journal of the Linnean Society of London (Botany) 19: 239–61].

Thanks EH for book on ornithology of South Africa and for his essays [Beiträge zur Ornithologie Südafrikas von Aug. von Holub und E. Pelzeln (1882)].

Will be pleased to see him when he comes to England.

Exchanges news on health.

Thanks AR for his worm observations.

George Darwin’s work is attracting attention; he intends to try for Plumian Professorship at Cambridge. Adds other news of George and of CD’s sons Leonard and William.

CD has finished his microscopic work and has only to write up two papers for the Linnean Society.

CD will put together his notes on the action of carbonate of ammonia on roots in a few days. Asks SHV to send any information he may have, but not to answer if he has none. [See 13666.]

Agrees to propose RM for the Royal Society.

Thanks for offer of sandstone with annelid tracks.

Suggests J. W. Judd, "most able of living geologists", as lecturer.

Asks EF to sign enclosed certificate if he thinks Raphael Meldola deserves being elected F.R.S. [See 13674.] Requests that his note with certificate be passed on to Norman Lockyer.

Does not feel that the occurrence of perfect trilobites in the oldest known fossil-bearing rocks is fatal to evolution, as he does not believe these rocks to be contemporaneous with the first appearance of life.

Locomotive spores of some algae are like animals.

Writes about WED’s purchasing a house.

Orders International scientific directory.

Discusses function of bud-scales.

Asks correspondent to sign certificate for Raphael Meldola [as a candidate for Royal Society].

Sends four parts of Van Tieghem, and recommends Wiesner 1881.

Forgot to suggest that JL repeat experiments with bees and artifical flowers.

Asks WBC for his vote and influence in favour of Albert Dicey at the Athenaeum balloting.

CD feels "as old as Methusalem".

Thanks for AD’s letter.

Owen has published a paper on the brain in relation to the mouth ["On the homology of the conario-hypophysial tract", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Zool.) 16 (1881–2): 131–49]. CD cannot avoid suspicion that the original idea was borrowed from AD.

F. M. Balfour very ill. His death would be a great loss.

Describes his use of alcohol and tobacco.

Thanks for the birthday greetings.

"I feel a very old man and my course is nearly run."