Discusses rudimentary sixth toe of frogs.

Thanks WHF for his very good lecture.

Asks WHF to check over some enclosed MS pages [Origin, 6th ed.?]. CD quotes some of WHF’s remarks, but should WHF not wish to be mixed with CD’s theoretic notions, CD will omit the whole paragraph.

Many think CD’s notions are "rubbish, pleasantly flavoured", like the reviewer in the Quarterly Review, who CD cannot doubt is "Mr Mivart, with bigotry arrogance illiberality & many other nice qualities".

Will strike out passage on larynx in cetaceans from his MS [of Origin, 6th ed.].

Thanks for sending WHF’s lecture, ‘On palaeontological evidence of the modifications of animal forms’ (Flower 1873).

Encloses letter from R. A. Blair concerning goose with abnormal wing. Hopes WHF will look at bones.

Will bring photograph of goose with abnormal wing to London.

Has been poorly.

Comments on goose with abnormal wing.

Asks whether WHF has had time to look at goose’s wing.

Will ask Blair for more [goose] wing specimens.

Much obliged to WHF and Dr Garron for their trouble [over deformed goose wings]. Has no doubt that WHF’s view of the deformity is the right one. Will send WHF’s report to Blair.

CD and Emma enjoyed extremely meeting the Dean at WHF’s house.