Sends CD a paper ["Ant-agency in plant structure", published in Spruce Notes of a botanist on the Amazon and Andes, ed. A. R. Wallace (1908)] on plant structures he believes are the work of insects; asks him to forward it to the Linnean Society [read 15 Apr 1869].

Writes of his support for the Origin, before which he had been much concerned by the delimitation of so-called species.

RS’s facts are remarkable. A year or two ago CD would not have believed ants could produce an inherited effect, but he has "lately come to believe rather more in inherited mutilations". However, CD is not satisfied that the sacs are inherited and urges RS to produce any other evidence he might have.

Glad BDW has proved his case on dimorphism of Cynips.

Interested in galls

and BDW’s Cicada articles [Proc. Entomol. Soc. Philadelphia (1864)].

Describes the work he is writing, Cosmology (Ramsay 1870).

"My experiment was intended solely to show that colour reappeared, and I choose kinds which breed [true] to colour, as is certainly the case with [sports] and those which I tried . . .

I have recorded an undoubted case of wild rock Pigeons caught in Scotland having bred in confinement …"

Drosophyllum plants recovering [from trip]. Describes experiments on them.

Regrets Frank [Darwin] did not pass the Trinity scholarship examination, but he hears Frank did well on the viva voce part.

Pleased CD is willing to help the University’s Museum of Zoology; he encloses the printed appeal.

Insectivorous plants; Drosophyllum lusitanicum.

Descriptions of the local sheep.

ARW’s review of 10th ed. of Lyell’s Principles [see 6684] is admirable.

But he differs "grievously" with ARW on man. CD sees no necessity for an additional and proximate cause.

Describes the floral structure and fertilisation of some melastomes;

discusses the direct agency of insects in modifying the structure of flowers.

Will attempt to provide CD with the information requested as soon as he can.

Gives references to some recent papers and articles which might interest CD.

Is currently reviewing Wallace’s new book [Malay Archipelago].

Wants information on plumage of chickens

and table of sex ratios in greyhounds.

Numerical proportion of males to females in greyhound puppies.

He has found abundant Drosophyllum in Andalusia.

Not well owing to fall from horse.

[Drosophyllum] plants going on very well.

Thanks for greyhound table; interested in transmission of colour in greyhounds and relationship to sex.

Expands upon their differences in regard to man and the question of the existence of forces not yet recognised by science.

Regrets he cannot come to London to be photographed [for GCW’s Eminent men of the day (1870)]. Invites GCW to Down.

Enquires about spurs in the last year’s birds of Pavo Spicifer and cristatus.

Enquires about sexual differences in mandrills.

Asks the correct spelling of JNH’s surname and offers to send a copy of Journal of Researches.

Reports on the sales of Variation; discusses the difficulties of inserting additions and corrections.