Sends a copy of the draft vivisection bill [see 9933] and hopes that it may be approved of and supported by the Government.

CD is delighted to hear that JSBS’s exertions and labour will probably be rewarded by success. He has had a note from Playfair who, like Lubbock, thinks the title and preamble [of the proposed bill] "had better wear a more humanitarian aspect".

August Weismann is interested in JJW’s experiments on birds and the caterpillars they eat.

Comments on AW’s work [Studien zur Descendenz-Theorie, vol. 1 (1875)].

On seasonal dimorphism in Lepidoptera in relation to sexual selection.

Discusses evolutionary reversion.

Comments on birds’ avoiding brightly coloured caterpillars. Offers references on subject.

Alpheus Hyatt says Franz Hilgendorf mistaken [about Planorbis multiformis].

Quotes from letter from J. J. Weir on birds’ rejection of brightly-coloured caterpillars.

Encloses the bill with its corrected preamble. How many copies would he like?

Hopes JSBS can attend the meeting of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on 5 May 1875.

Arrangements to meet a Duke [unidentified] at High Elms [Lubbock residence].

CD proposes setting price [of Insectivorous plants] on a printing of 1000 copies, but to have 250 additional copies printed – with CD paying for paper and press work. JM would not repay CD until 1000 are sold; and profits on the 250 to be divided as usual. CD proposes this because he does not think a second edition will ever be needed.

Thanks JP for volume of his lectures [Clinical lectures and essays, ed. H. Marsh (1875)].

Mentions "vivisection question".

Regrets he cannot attend proposed meeting [on vivisection]. Hopes legislation may be passed limiting vivisection while not interfering with the progress of physiology.

Sends photograph.

Agrees not to receive his share of sales on Insectivorous plants until 750 or 800 copies are sold. 1250 to be printed.

Hopes WDW will come to Down.

On colour changes in rabbits. Suspects JBI’s is of impure origin.

Is correcting proof of Insectivorous plants.

Proposes that TFB visit in about a week; at present CD is unwell.

Discusses Vivisection Bill.

CD has misplaced the annual audited balance sheet for the Down Friendly Society and wonders whether he has sent it to his correspondent in error.

Thanks FFH for his note and enclosure [see 9982]. Quotes from Le Couteur [On … wheat (1836)?] to justify statements made in Variation [1868].

CD believes Playfair’s bill would not restrict demonstrations under anaesthetic.

Discusses the price to be charged to Appleton’s for the plates of Insectivorous plants.

Thanks AD for his Ursprung [der Wirbelthiere (1875)], which astonished CD. AD’s views, if accepted by competent authorities, will show how much we have to learn about the history of every animal. Suggests caution on "degradation principle". Comments on other views in the work. Has long seen importance of the principle of "Functionswechsel" [transfer [change!?] of function], but never enunciated it as a distinct principle.