Paralysis of the nervous system of Dionaea. Uses of tails of mice.

CD’s observations on the power of movement and transmission of motor impulses in plants. If RLT succeeds with the tails of mice, it will be "a beautiful little discovery"; CD will enjoy it the more "because some German sneered at natural selection and instanced the tail of the mouse" [see 10013].

May publish a lecture on insectivorous plants and would like to dedicate it to CD.

Wishes to become an F.R.S.

Has found that H. G. Bronn in the chapter appended to his translation of Origin cited ears and tail of mice as facts opposed to natural selection. Suggests RLT examine hairs of tails of mice for possible nerves.

Has separated out a pepsin-like substance from the secretion of Drosera, which he proposes to call "Droserin".

Intends sending a paper containing some of his histological work [see "Freezing process for section-cutting; … staining and mounting sections", J. Anat. & Physiol. 9 (1875): 249–58].

RLT’s observations come too late, as CD’s book on Droseraceae has been printed.

Reports on his observations of ferment in secretions in Drosera rotundifolia and Drosophyllum.

Is waiting impatiently for the appearance of CD’s book [Insectivorous plants].

Insectivorous plants: the means and site of absorption of digested animal matter. [Newspaper clipping enclosed.]

RLT will find abundant evidence of absorption by Aldrovanda in CD’s forthcoming book [Insectivorous plants]. Congratulates him on his discovery of ferments.

An article on RLT’s lecture on insectivorous plants has appeared; the author adopts an anti-Darwinian attitude [see "Flower traps", Spectator 19 June 1875, pp. 784–5; RLT’s reply in Spectator 26 June 1875, pp. 816–17.]