Writes about the Carl Vogt and J. J. Moulinié translation [of Variation].

Never imagined that the facts about sexual selection could be new to CD. Thought fact that brightly coloured females build concealed nests and almost all those in which sexes differ remarkably build exposed nests might be new to him. Some problems remain. Sends his notes for CD to use if he wants.

CD has sent some revised proof-sheets and ordered the stereotypes [for Russian translation of Variation]. First volume is dull, but he hopes second is more interesting.

Asks whether CD will subscribe to a memorial for Richard Dawes [1793–1867].

Through Carl Vogt, he has received the right to translate Variation into French [(1868), preface by Carl Vogt].

Thanks LR for sending his works.

Correcting proofs of Variation.

Chapter on pigs and cattle derived mostly from LR’s work.

Returns ARW’s notes. He will work up subject much better than CD.

Apologises for the note of illiberality in his letter regarding ARW’s work on the colouring and other sexual differences in mammals.

Discusses laws of inheritance based on sexual selection.

He questions the extent of applicability of principles of protection and sexual selection to lower animal forms, though Ernst Haeckel has shown how protection may account for transparency and absence of colour in lower oceanic animals.

Contributes to a memorial for Richard Dawes.

Describes his health.

Weisse of Stuttgart is keen to publish a translation of the book on which CD is working [Variation].

JvH will help with expression queries. Considers CD’s investigation highly important and original. Sends list of men to whom he is sending copies of the questions.

Thanks CD for new edition of Origin [4th ed. (1866)].

Comments on CD’s criticism of the harsh tone of Generelle Morphologie. Thinks he may have harmed himself but not the cause. Believes a radical reform of the science necessary, and since most scientists take a prejudiced view of the matter, a vigorous attack is essential.

Describes his travels in Canaries, Spain, and France.

Sends Fritz Müller’s address; has sent him Insular floras [pamphlet].

The proofs CD sent seem to have been lost in the post. Asks him to send another set by ordinary letter post.

Having tried all other sources for aid, JWS is forced to turn to CD’s generosity. His financial position is bad; frequent and serious illness prevents him from working properly.

Lost proofs have arrived.

Proposes to append the woodcuts of dog and cat varieties from Brehm [Illustrirtes Thierleben (1864–7)], which he has also translated, to the Russian edition of Variation.

Sends proof-sheets [of Variation]. Will not charge VOK for right of translation.

Sheets dispatched. Book [French edition of Variation] not so large as expected.

Cannot come to Down; John Smith is unwell.

Will go to Paris again at end of month.

Wallace and F. J. H. von Mueller of Victoria are most likely candidates for Royal Society Gold Medal for biology.

Encloses letter from Henry Barkly.

CD’s letter [3992] gave him encouragement in his work [on monstrosities], which, he regrets, is little understood or appreciated in France. Hopes to be able to produce anomalies at will as a result of his experiments. Sends a recent paper ["Rapport sur un veau monstrueux", Arch. Com. Agric. Arrondissement Lille (1867)].

Offers to send Benoît de Maillet’s Telliamed [1750].

Encloses a letter [16 May 1867] from John Anderson, a nurseryman, giving information on budding of blotched ash at the nursery.