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

Encloses extract [missing] on a caterpillar.

Mentions William Buckler’s magnificent drawings of caterpillars [The larvae of the British butterflies and moths, Ray Soc. (1886–91)], but doubts Buckler will lend them for any Darwinian purpose. John Hellins has a portion of drawings and is more liberal.

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

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

F. Galton and others suggest that he go in for Fellowship [of Royal Society]. Asks that CD propose him. If he is unable to do so HWB will not be hurt to wait another year.

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.]

Encloses HWB’s Royal Society certificate with seven signatures, which CD thinks is ample.

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.]