Sends a copy of the draft vivisection bill [see 9933] and hopes that it may be approved of and supported by the Government.

Proofs arrived and Francis is correcting them. Tells Emma Darwin that Amy is delighted about the azaleas. The Ruck family very much like Isabella Bird’s Six months in the Sandwich Islands.

JM proposes to print 1000 copies [of Insectivorous plants].

Comments on AW’s work [Studien zur Descendenz-Theorie, vol. 1 (1875)].

On seasonal dimorphism in Lepidoptera in relation to sexual selection.

Discusses evolutionary reversion.

Comments on birds’ avoiding brightly coloured caterpillars. Offers references on subject.

Alpheus Hyatt says Franz Hilgendorf mistaken [about Planorbis multiformis].

Quotes from letter from J. J. Weir on birds’ rejection of brightly-coloured caterpillars.

Regrets he cannot attend proposed meeting [on vivisection]. Hopes legislation may be passed limiting vivisection while not interfering with the progress of physiology.

Will send corrected proofs [of Insectivorous plants].

JM agrees to raise number of first printing [of Insectivorous plants] to 1250 if CD will wait for his share of profits until sales reach 750 or 800.

EBT’s brother, Alfred Tylor, wishes to visit CD with George Young.

AT’s "pluvial period" theory.

Writes about a white rabbit which is turning fawn-coloured,

and about Scottish education.

Notes absence of material on fossil coral reefs in CD’s 2d edition [Coral reefs (1874)]. Has been collecting specimens from a fossil reef near his home for four years; gave many to Oxford.

A letter introducing T. F. Burgers, President of the Transvaal Republic.

Would like to call on CD if convenient.

Proposes that TFB visit in about a week; at present CD is unwell.

Discusses Vivisection Bill.

Sends his paper to show his priority over John Le Couteur. Claims discovery of the "law of development" of cereals.

CD has misplaced the annual audited balance sheet for the Down Friendly Society and wonders whether he has sent it to his correspondent in error.

Thanks FFH for his note and enclosure [see 9982]. Quotes from Le Couteur [On … wheat (1836)?] to justify statements made in Variation [1868].

Lyon Playfair’s bill [on vivisection] is unacceptable to all teachers of physiology. It prohibits dissections for demonstrations to students. He will have to repudiate it. Asks CD’s advice.

Insists that he, not Le Couteur, was the first to recognise and exploit variation within wheat varieties. Disturbed he was not acknowledged in Variation.

CD believes Playfair’s bill would not restrict demonstrations under anaesthetic.