[Printed notice] Ask election support for A. J. Beresford-Hope, representing Cambridge University.

Thanks CD for copy of Variation.

Discusses Pangenesis and considers CD’s "gemmules" comparable to his own hypothetical "physiological units" ["On alleged ""spontaneous generation"", and on the hypothesis of physiological units", appendix in The principles of biology, vol. 1 (1864)].

Corrections [incorporated in 2d issue of Variation].

Asks that Gray forward a letter to J. T. Rothrock. Variation is selling well. Nearly all chapters were at least partially written before Origin was published.

Too late to observe baby’s tears.

Heartily glad for JM’s sake at sale [of Variation]. Thinks JM right to publish a smaller second edition, for "the public will soon find out that it is dull" – though scientifically valuable. The index is excellent. CD is "always greedy" for presentation copies.

Many thanks. There is no name he prizes more than JH's.

No summary available.

Has heard that Variation sold the whole edition of 1500 copies in a week [see 5844]. Has done him a world of good. Pall Mall Gazette has review which pleased him exceedingly [see 5874].

Sending the dimensions of the Great Stone in the quarry near Baalbek. Has sent his paper to the Consul in Egypt. Greatly enjoyed his stay at the Herschels'.

Sends prospectus of forthcoming work by his brother [Henry Trimen] and W. T. Thiselton-Dyer [Flora of Middlesex (1869)]. Hopes CD will subscribe.

On the colours of sexes in Crustacea; the structure of male crabs.

Asks about proportions of male to female insects.

Corrects some facts and gives further information on some points for the 2d ed. of Variation.

Specific distinctions among animals.

Cercopithecus of Africa contrasted with the Cebus of South America.

Notes on domestic fowls and their ancestors.

Slow growth of wild animals compared with domestic varieties.

WSD is delighted to hear that first edition [of Variation] has sold so well.

Has received a cheque from J. Murray for 30 guineas, double what was agreed upon. Sends a postal order for the five guineas CD sent him [see 5788].

Requests information on published observations on the proportional number of males and females born to various domestic animals.

Thanks for copy of Variation. Comments on it, especially on Pangenesis.

Is working on sexual selection and is interested in any anomalous sex ratios in lower animals and any sex-related characters.

Wants information on sex ratios in domestic animals. Can WBT help?

Variability of sizes and colours in spiders; on proportion of sexes; courtship of spiders.