Encloses observations on Malays who have not had communication with Europeans [in answer to CD’s queries about expression].
Comments on a discussion of humming-birds by the Duke of Argyll [in The reign of law (1867)].
Encloses article by Henry Parker on the Duke’s book [Saturday Rev. 23 (1867): 82–4].
Asks DO to identify a plant grown from earth adhering to the foot of a woodcock.
Has received the first four sheets of Variation. Reinwald has received the stereotypes and is ready for printing.
Discusses dimorphism in plants, especially the Rubiaceae.
Gives observations on orchids; notes varying degrees of self-sterility and a varying success at crossing distinct species.
Mentions local ferns he is collecting
and considers the phenomenon of apparently mimetic plants.
Returns his Australian friend's speculations. Comments on these theories regarding atoms, etc., and gives other books and articles showing that his theories are not unique.
Has asked a classics scholar about a word for Pangenesis. He suggests "atomogenesis".
Is getting in rather a fright about the coming exams.
Sends a sheet of proofs. Will hold four others until he hears from VOK, because of expensive postage. Thinks illustrating Russian translation [of Variation] with woodcuts from A. E. Brehm’s work [Illustrirtes Thierleben, 4 vols. (1864–7)] is an excellent idea.
Requests observations of Eta Argus. Margaret Herschel travels on the continent. Liberal Party under William Gladstone unsuccessful with reforms.
Returns Hooker’s paper [unidentified].
Criticises the Duke of Argyll’s book [Reign of law (1867)], particularly on sexual selection.
But CD overlooks God’s intention to instruct man by nature’s beauty.
Criticism of anonymous article in North British Review [by Fleeming Jenkin, 46 (1867): 277–318].
CK supports large sports in response to large environmental changes.
Thanks for the photographic portrait of JH, which he prizes greatly. Comments on various points of the photograph. No need to be uneasy about the rooms or cabs in Paris. Matilda (RG's sister) must rest her eyes; then she will recover quickly.
No summary available.
Is bewildered in his old age by the new theories of James Croll on the glacial epochs. What does JH think of these theories? Sees no proof of glacial action in Paleozoic times.
Asks her to observe whether her dog exposes his teeth when barking and to think of any facts about expression in her birds.
Discusses hybridisation in cowslip and primrose.
Mentions proposed visit.
No summary available.
Discusses the Duke of Argyll’s book [Reign of law (1867)].
Cites his own views on diversity of structure and beauty.
Encloses letter from Wallace. Sexual selection: evidence advanced by Wallace.
Discusses correlation of growth.
Comments on article in the North British Review [by Fleeming Jenkin].
Discusses the evidence from physics on the age of the earth.
[Four pages of the final letter are missing, but the draft is complete.]
No summary available.
No summary available.