Has been experimenting with phosphates on Drosera and wonders whether animals digest a particular one.

Asks whether Huxley has approached him regarding the introduction of a vivisection act.

J. T. Knowles [editor of Contemp. Rev.] hopes W. D. Whitney’s article will be a long one.

CD is sorry about GHD’s account of his low spirits. "I know well the feeling of life being objectless & all being vanity of vanities."

Is provoked by trouble he is having writing Insectivorous plants.

Curious case of an unknown form of Glaucium in earth covered with slag for 1400 years.

His thanks for MGR’s valuable Anatomische Untersuchungen (1872).

Suggests that Fritsche comes to lunch on Tuesday 16 February.

Cannot visit now because of work on Insectivorous plants.

Asks whether JM thinks another edition of Variation worth while. Asks because a Polish translation is planned and he would undertake corrections for a 2d edition, but not just for a Polish edition.

Tells correspondent how to locate Michael Faraday’s widow [Sarah Barnard].

CD is obliged for a note he will use for a new [2d] edition of Variation [1875].

The plan of the new journal [Mind] seems excellent. CD regrets that he has so much work to do in natural history that it is improbable he can be a contributor.

Thanks FBG for his essay. Thinks FBG’s planned collection would be very useful but is ‘not sanguine of success’. Most naturalists do not care about domesticated productions. ‘A strong remnant of the feeling yet survives that there is a marked distinction between varieties & species, & naturalists regard only the latter.’

Expresses his feelings following the death of Charles Lyell.

Mourns death of Lyell. Wonders whether enough men of science were attached to him to raise a fitting testimonial.

Will not come to London for some weeks. Hopes to make TB’s acquaintance.

Is much obliged to TW and his friend for having told him about the azalea, but CD had already seen the account.

"Last night it suddenly occurred to me that I had not sent you the last Edition of the Descent of Man published in November."

CD on his memory of Lyell. Deeply rejoices that he is to be buried in Westminster Abbey.

Reports that Variation is out of print. Suggests means of obtaining a copy.

Thanks correspondent for two essays.

Thanks correspondent for article on CD in Gardeners’ Chronicle.