Writes about the Vivisection Bill; there is great fear that it may prevent demonstration dissections on insensible animals.

The Vivisection Bill was defeated because it was repudiated by one of its own fathers: J. S. Burdon Sanderson.

Writes again on the Vivisection Bill, expresses his desire not to ruin the progress of physiology whilst avoiding useless vivisection.

Has heard from Italian minister that the inhabitants of the Japanese island of Saghalien [Sakhalin], lately ceded to Russia, have their bodies covered with hair, like the gorilla, and are supposedly the remnant of the aboriginal population of the Japanese islands.

Asks whether enclosure [missing] has the correct title of Insectivorous plants.

Comments on WM’s paper about ostrich feathers.

Wants seeds of Nesaea verticillata for crossing experiments to see whether seedlings from "illegitimate unions" are sterile like true hybrids.

Thanks for the seventh of CVR’s Annual reports on the noxious, beneficial and other insects in the state of Missouri (Riley 1869–77).

AD is aware of revolutionary character of his pamphlet [Ursprung der Wirbelthiere]. Authorities will not agree with him. Carl Gegenbaur and Ernst Haeckel are opposed. Younger biologists are disposed to accept his views. All he can expect is to put a stop to "the Amphioxus–Ascidian affair, and to open a road for speculation and for investigation on the side of the Annelid-homology".

Agrees that time alone can do nothing to modify species.

Is aware that the Papaveraceae are self-fertile but feels this does not preclude an occasional cross.