After finishing vol. 2 [of Naturalist on the river Amazons], CD still has only praise. Remarks that his family is also enjoying the book. He regrets having finished, since he so enjoyed the descriptions.

Asks for a letter on the tameness of deer, written by Commander A. Boutakoff to R. I. Murchison and printed in the Journal [J. R. Geogr. Soc. 23 (1853): 93–101].

Would like tabulation of horned beetles if not too troublesome, but would easily settle for general remarks.

On the subject of other species mocking Heliconidae, asks whether full-coloured ones were mocked. Expresses full belief in HWB’s theory.

Encloses a copy of A. R. Wallace’s letter to the Field requesting observations on which caterpillars birds devour.

CD in utter confusion about differences between J. O. Westwood and HWB on division of certain insects. Asks if HWB will homologise certain families for him, telling him which terms would be most generally understood.

Asks also about differences on sound-producing organs of Achetidae Gryllidae.

Requests information on the standard of beauty of savages and on whether the female has any influence in selecting a male.

CD has questions related to colour differences in the sexes of butterflies, especially in relation to HWB’s paper ["On variation in sexes of Argynnis diana", Proc. Entomol. Soc. Philadelphia 4 (1865): 204–7].

Mentions that his MS on Lepidoptera [for Descent] is longer than he intended and the information is four-fifths owed to HWB.

Thanks HWB for answering questions.

The MS on Lepidoptera is almost finished and he is glad HWB will read it; he is fearful of mistakes, not being familiar with the subject.

Lists specimens he wants from Mr Janson, emphasising that he always wants male and female.

He extends an invitation for a Sunday in early June.

Thanks for assistance. He will write fully to Wallace tomorrow.

Asks for information he needs for the German translation [of Coral reefs], including correct titles of reference books and the name of a voyager.

Requests return of August Weismann’s letter which refers to eggs.

Curious about the drawing [of the caterpillar? See 10780].

It will give CD real pleasure to propose HWB for F.R.S. Asks that he send him the necessary information for the certificate as well as a list of men he would like to sign it. He should not be disappointed if not elected first time. [Bates elected F.R.S. 2 June 1881.]

Informs HWB of arrangements for signing the memorial to W. E. Gladstone [for a civil pension for Wallace]. CD has got Duke of Argyll to write to Gladstone in favour of it.

Asks HWB to sign the memorial, possibly with official title, and then to pass it quickly to Hooker.

Alarm over Wallace’s memorial; asks HWB if he has received it and forwarded it to Hooker. Wanted to get it to Gladstone before Parliament met.

Gladstone has recommended yearly pension of £200 for Wallace.

Asks HWB to sign and return F.R.S. certificate for Raphael Meldola; if he objects to signing, CD will not mention the fact. [Meldola elected F.R.S., June 1886.]