W. Crookes’s article ["Enquiry into phenomena called spiritual", Q. J. Sci. n.s. 4 (1874): 77–97] "staggers" her. Would like to know CD’s opinion.

CD offers to mark corrected passages in sheets of 6th edition of Origin.

Discusses question of hybrids between goats and sheep, on which H. von Nathusius has cast doubt in his recent Viehzucht [1872]. CD gives several references for a contrary view.

Asks JVC to inquire about HvN’s assertion that castrated rams have no horns.

Has decided that 1000 copies of Descent should be printed. Will make no alterations. "If it goes on selling it will shew that it is worth a thorough revision."

The U. S. sale of Descent (10000 copies) is larger than in England.

Says has sent a copy of CD’s memorial to Captain Jones. Passes on Sir Geo. Grey’s comments on pasturage near Morpeth. Tells superstition about straight furrows and fairies.

Praises and comments on JL’s essay on insects ["Origin of insects", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. 11 (1873): 422–5].

Thanks for the information about the action of roots on rocks.

"With Mr. Charles Darwin’s compliments enclosing one guinea."

Inquires about the effect of turf covering on the rate of disintegration of rock.

Much perplexed by W. Crookes’s article. He can neither disbelieve nor believe. Article has removed some of his difficulty in that the supposed power is not an anomaly. Hopes men such as G. G. Stokes will be induced to witness Crookes’s experiments.

Sends comments from himself and Erasmus Darwin on proofs of chapter 7 of Origin 6th ed.

Horns of castrated merino rams remain almost undeveloped.

The horns of castrated male lambs compared with horns of ewes. [See Descent, 2d ed., p. 506.]

Sends CD a German pamphlet, "War Goethe ein Darwinianer?"

Displays in turkeys.

Asks for some pamphlets, the titles of which have been sent to him by Dr Spengel [see 8053].

Asks that the rabbits CD has kept be sent to him; will continue [transfusion] experiments on rats, but using larger [surgical] connection.

Sends back proofs. Praises CD for calm treatment of Mivart. Looks at duck’s mouth. Asks whether CD has seen Snow’s article in the Spectator.

Will send FD’s work [Studi sopra un lignaggio anemofilo delle composte (1871)] to Nature for review.

CD’s health has been poor all summer – he doubts that he will ever "have the strength to publish on Variability under a state of Nature".

Hopes to publish on cross- and self-fertilisation next summer.

Encloses his photo and asks for FD’s.

Effect of turf covering on the disintegration of rocks. Weathering of rock; relative importance of different agents with different rocks.

Reports how his sons enjoyed their trip to America.

Is glad SRSN is settled in Dresden.