Sends queries [on proofs of Descent, 2d ed.]. Will be finished, except for the index, in two days.

Is now less satisfied than formerly with his statistics on cousin marriage.

[Enclosure is a copy by GHD of J. S. Mill’s statement about Origin (Logic 2: 18 n.).]

Is sorry to hear the news about the cousin question – a real misfortune.

Congratulates GHD on being nearly finished with work on Descent.

Sends Descent material. Is staggered by CD’s power of marshalling facts and his conciseness and clearness of thought. The only fault he finds is some slight want of conciseness of diction.

He feels CD’s power more now "that I quail before the thought of arranging the few paltry facts I’ve got about those d––d cousins".

GHD’s corrections seem very good. Murray hopes there will be few corrections in Descent. CD assured him no changes have been made merely for improving style.

Wants very much to hear about "the terrible cousin affair".