Studying glacial drift in NW. England, he finds evidence of intense glacial activity, but the molluscan fauna does not appear to indicate a low sea temperature. Requests information on Tierra del Fuego molluscs for comparison.

Interested in TMR’s investigation of drift. Narrative 1: 545–6 contains catalogue of shells collected. Much struck by marine productions of Tierra del Fuego.

Sends his paper ["Tidal action as a geological cause", Proc. Liverpool Geol. Soc. 2 (1874): 50–72].

Has not yet studied CD’s list of South American molluscs.

TMR’s address ["Geological time" (Presidential Address, 1876), Proc. Liverpool Geol. Soc. 3 (1878): 211–35] not yet published. Will send copy.

Comments on TMR’s essay ["Geological time"].

It is monstrous that P. G. Tait should say that earth is less than ten million years old.

CD is occupied with vegetable physiology.

Prefers to read MS when published.

TMR believes rate of limestone formation is same now as in past.

He expects his address [of 10 Oct 1876] on geological time [Proc. Liverpool Geol. Soc. 3 (1878): 211–35], which contradicts William Thomson’s view of the earth’s age, to appear soon.

Doubtful that great heat would favour development of lower organisms.

It is important that notion of "small antiquity" of the earth be upset.

Sends his paper ["Oceans and continents", Geol. Mag. 7 (1880): 385–91].

Thinks John Murray of Edinburgh goes out of his way to deny an elevation/subsidence view of coral reefs ["On the structure and origin of coral reefs and islands", Proc. R. Soc. Edinburgh 10 (1878–80): 505–18].

Obliged for paper ["Oceans and continents" (1880)].

Agrees that John Murray’s view [of coral reefs] is far-fetched.

Recommends letters by William Topley in Geological Magazine. WT discusses past distribution of oceans and continents.

Comments on TMR’s "Oceanic islands" [Geol. Mag. 8 (1881): 75–7]. Fact that oceanic islands are all volcanic argues for view that no continent ever occupied the oceans. Chalk seemed best evidence of ocean having existed where continent now stands. CD leans to view that continents have occupied present positions since Cambrian.

Argues against volcanic origin of coral islands and for the submergence of continents. Cites Judd’s argument on the volcanoes of the moon.

Praise for Earthworms.

"Roots often run down worm burrows, but can penetrate the ground without such aid."