Life history of potato varieties. Changes in fruit, flower, and seed production with increasing age of a variety.

Has been consulting with Mrs Lyell about the possibility of publishing Lyell’s letters. Asks CD’s opinion on the matter.

Thanks for comments on paper and references to related works. Clarifies points on colour distinction between energy-absorbing (green) and energy-expending (bright-hued) portions of plants and on the influence of flower colour in modifying the insect organism.

Further codicil to CD’s will to settle £14000 instead of £12000 on each child.

What does Torbitt propose to do with CD’s £100; does he want another £100 now or soon?

Discusses sterility of potato flowers.

Success of James Torbitt’s potato experiments so far does not warrant an application for Government aid.

Asks how much aid JT requires [for potato experiments].

Encloses proof of the Entomological Society’s Proceedings for February to show the use he has made of Fritz Müller’s letter [see 11319].

No summary available.

CD elected an honorary member of the Franklin Literary Society, who would like to commission a life-size portrait of him.

Sales of [potato] varieties have reduced amount of money needed [for experiments].

Thanks for CD’s criticism and advice. The difficult question of whether varieties "wear out".

Asks her to observe seedlings of Neottia breaking the surface to see whether the flower stems grow straight up or form arches, and whether they secrete water that softens the surrounding ground.

CD and Frank think they have proved that function of plant sleep is to protect leaves from injury by chilling radiation. Requests plants for experiment to determine whether underside of leaf is hardier than upper.

Suggests movements of sensitive plants may protect against insects.

James Caird does not think Torbitt’s success justifies application to Government. Torbitt has four acres planted with seedlings. Has sent back CD’s £100. Shall CD insist that he keep it?

Describes hereditary defect in ear muscle.

Discusses influence of wet nurse on infant.

Describes talking starlings.

Sending the further codicil to CD’s will.

Studying geotropism.

Experiments using exposure to frost to study nyctitropism are difficult to perform because species vary in frost tolerance.