Thanks for the Blue Book [Report to the Local Government Board on the water supplied to London].

Gives instructions for sending the pure water.

Has sent for the Wenham ice.

Enjoyed his talk with EF.

Petition Cambridge University that candidates for an Honour degree may be relieved from the obligation of passing an examination in Greek.

Encloses letter of recommendation for RIL [for position as Curator, Botanic Garden, Cambridge?]. [See 11770.]

Letter recommending R. I. Lynch [for position as Curator, Botanic Garden, Cambridge].

Has observed, perhaps erroneously, that certain plants were excited to movement by a prolonged high note on the bassoon. Would now like to try a siren and asks JT to bring one from the Royal Institution.

Comments on GJR’s anonymous book [A candid examination of theism (1878)]. Notes possible theological objections.

Gives CGS permission to use his letters in any way he thinks fit.

Discusses the direct effect of external conditions as an agent of change in organisms; has encountered many cases since the publication of Origin.

Says deformity of wings of geese is not related to injury to gander. Forwards a report on the birds [11717].

Encloses a cheque for £5.5.0 for the Down Coal and Clothing Club.

Much obliged to WHF and Dr Garron for their trouble [over deformed goose wings]. Has no doubt that WHF’s view of the deformity is the right one. Will send WHF’s report to Blair.

CD and Emma enjoyed extremely meeting the Dean at WHF’s house.

Is deeply gratified by AR’s proposed generosity.

Sends copy of H. D. Lindemuth, "Vegetative Bastarderzeugung" [Landwirtsch. Jahrb. 7 (1878): 887–939].

Informs EAD of Anthony Rich’s proposal to bequeath his property to CD.

Writes of Anthony Rich’s bequest.

Thanks AR for the details of his bequest and invites him to Down.

Approves of the proof. However, his book [Movement in plants] will have a large number of diagrams so he feels only the complicated diagrams and drawings should be copied by photography.

Thanks for JDH’s description of CD’s work in Nature.

Anthony Rich to bequeath his property (over £1100 a year) to CD.

Is glad book progresses; answers translation query.

Francis Darwin does not have time to lecture.

Congratulates JT on success in breeding potato varieties.

Thanks WO for advice and assistance for his son, Horace.

Has read Kerner’s book [see 11666]; finds the translation "as clear as daylight" but fears it is too good for the English public who like "very washy food".