Informs RLT of J. D. Hooker’s work on Nepenthes ["Nepenthaceae, Cytinaceae", in Prodromus systematis naturalis regni vegetabilis by A. P. de Candolle (1873), 17: 90–116].

Has asked JDH to try secretions of pitchers that had caught no insects.

Sends photographs.

Compliments JNH on the instructive tone of his sermon [‘Hospital Sunday’ preached in Chapel Royal, Dublin, 15 Nov 1874].

Comments on GJR’s experiments.

Thanks for explanation. Will follow RBL’s instructions.

CD returns MS of a paper by RLT. "If you have succeeded in separating the ferment, the fact is manifestly important." Asks whether RLT tested the digestive ability of fluid from pitchers without animal matter. This would be necessary to prove that there was ferment in the fluid. CD is glad to hear about the [passage?] for guiding insects; he had guessed this to be the case.

Acknowledges his election to the Akademie.

Would be obliged for correction of references in Variation [1st ed.].

No summary available.

Glad to hear that ARW is so busy.

CD believes that he has thrown some light on the acquirement of the power of digestion in Droseraceae [in Insectivorous plants].

Solicits JDH and others at Kew for signatures to nomination of Francis Darwin for membership of Linnean Society.

Has previously quoted details concerning the regrowth of her amputated extra digit in Variation [2: 14–15]. The case has since been disputed, so CD, who is revising his work, asks for some fuller details.

Apologises that he cannot supply any maize seed.

Asks HAH to keep Francis Darwin’s nomination paper [for Linnean Society] for Huxley to sign on return. FD appends personal note.