Responds to MS of Earthworms. An objective but arbitrary test of intelligence in animals is the ability to learn from experience. Earthworms fall on the border of intelligence. They could justly be called intelligent if they could learn by experience to manipulate some unknown, exotic leaf. CD should make clear that intelligence does not imply self-consciousness.

Comments on GJR’s view of animal consciousness. Mentions experiment on learning among worms.

Suggests transplanting plant ovaries to test Pangenesis.

None of the cats released in experiment found its way back.

Discusses difficulties involved in plant experiment designed to test Pangenesis.

Discusses concept of intelligence in his Earthworms manuscript.

Remarks on GJR’s work on echinoderms.

Comments on Wilhelm Roux [Der Kampf der Theile im Organismus (1881)].

Discusses animal instincts, citing Fabre’s description of sand-wasps.

Looks forward to reading CD’s Earthworms.

Agrees that habits of sand-wasp are determined by natural selection.

Experiment of exposing plants to flashing light gives uncertain result.

Discusses GJR’s experiments on heliotropism in plants; views of Philippe van Tieghem and Julius von Wiesner. Describes his own experiments.

Mentions his letter on vivisection [to Frithiof Holmgren, see 13115] in the Times [18 Apr 1881].

Only more sensitive seedlings respond to flashing light.

CD’s letter to Times ["On vivisection", 22 Apr 1881] in every way admirable.

GJR to be Zoological Secretary of Linnean Society.

Has decided on arrangement of material for his books Animal intelligence [1882]

and Mental evolution in animals [1883].

Comments on GJR’s letter in the Times [25 Apr 1881] concerning vivisection. Mentions activity of anti-vivisectionists, G. R. Jesse and F. P. Cobbe.

Suggests CD delay arrangements for his Linnean Society portrait. GJR thinks John Collier would be willing to paint it.

Agrees to sit for portrait. Thinks John Collier is a good artist, an opinion based on his portrait of Hooker.

Discusses possible case of inherited memory involving Pompilus. Cites similar example of electric eel.

CD is glad the portrait [of CD by John Collier] has been arranged; suggests dates, but feels he should have no say in the subscriptions or remuneration.

Thinks the Lakes are beautiful.

Is reading W. Graham’s The creed of science.

Has told John Collier to write to CD to arrange for portrait.

Will read [W. Graham’s] Creed of science.

Has got into row with W. B. Carpenter over thought-reading.

Is returning to Down.

Rejoices that GJR writes so much in Nature.

Encloses notice about Wilhelm Roux’s book [see 13118].

Comments on John Collier’s portrait.

Delighted that portrait of CD has "pleased those who are the best judges".

Arranging for vote on vivisection by International Medical Congress.

Asks CD to contribute to symposium on vivisection to be published in Nineteenth Century [10: 920–48].

Unable to contribute an essay to a symposium on the subject of vivisection. Objects to use of term "symposium".

Mentions articles of Hermann Müller.

Death of his brother Erasmus [26 Aug 1881].

Not intended to call vivisection article a symposium [Nineteenth Century 10 (1881): 920–48].

Sympathy on death of Erasmus Darwin.

Trying some experiments with bees to test their direction-finding methods.