Thanks CD for a letter to Galton which enabled him to get information on the inhabitants of a part of South Africa. Is trying to work up the ethnology of South Africa, but fears he will become disheartened.

One of WBT’s poultry skulls has been misplaced; CD cannot believe he neglected to return it.

Introduces E. L. Youmans to correspondent. Youmans is seeking small monographs by the most competent English authors [for his International Scientific Series].

Letter of introduction for his sons [G. H. and Francis Darwin].

Will send Ophrys apifera var. lutea.

Has given CD’s name to a species of Abutilon found by Fritz Müller.

Pleased at Henrietta [Darwin]’s engagement.

Honoured by Abutilon name; describes observations on its fertilisation.

Henrietta’s marriage a great loss to him.

Latest Quarterly Review has article, "evidently by Mivart", that cuts CD into mincemeat.

Asks for name of species of mouse J. S. Henslow used to keep [see 598].

Identifies Henslow’s mouse that used tail as prehensile climbing organ as Mus messorius.

Has not seen the Quarterly Review.

Inquires after Lyell’s health.

Thanks for providing turtle soup.

Not quite so sure he thanks VL for introducing Richard Buckley Litchfield into the Darwin family to be CD’s son-in-law.

Asks about the lip position of a pouting child.

Reports that a humble-bee fertilised a tropical orchid in his hothouse.

Thanks for information about Henslow’s mouse.

Hopes to visit during CD’s stay at Haredene.

Invites RT to call on him while he is staying at Haredene.

Interested in forthcoming Expression.

Sends publications.

Describes physiological theory of mental activity. Asks for CD’s opinion of his theory.

Wants CD to sign an enclosure [missing] and get the signatures of other family members.

Asks [EAD] to get signatures as opportunity offers.

Shocked at Lyell’s appearance and speech.

Family news.