Discusses page length [of Cross and self-fertilisation]. Doubts 1500 copies will be sold until lapse of some years.

Encloses coral specimen and manuscript account of it by William Lonsdale.

Pleased to hear of Peter Henderson’s intended experiment [on Drosera, see 10588]. Asks that she tell Mr Henderson that he believes good derived from animal diet will be shown only by production of larger number of seeds and more luxuriant growth in the ensuing year. Wishes to hear the results.

Would like to see the pigeons, though he is not likely to work on the subject again. When he hears from Dr Scully, he will present them to the British Museum.

Has not had time to use the information about earthworms yet, but hopes to use it in about a year’s time.

Asks WCM to design additional rooms for Down House.