Thanks OH for his book [see 9876]; agrees that the sudden appearance of many dicotyledons in the Upper Chalk is a perplexing phenomenon for the evolutionist.

No uniform edition of CD’s works has appeared in England.

Thanks for publication [Berste bijdrage tot een nauwkeuriger kennis der sessile cirripedien (1875)]. Cannot read Dutch. Mentions PPCH’s research on cirripedes.

Thinks CD is right about the retention of a tail.

Discusses function of the eyebrows in protecting the eyes from sweat.

Mentions notices in the Nation.

Thanks for his suggestion about drawings for future edition [of Coral reefs].

Has read RLT’s essay [The pathology and treatment of diseases of the ovaries (1874)] with interest. His facts about tumours seem to CD "highly favourable to some such notion as Pangenesis".

Would be glad to make RLT’s acquaintance, but CD’s health would make RLT’s visit to Down unprofitable. Suggests a meeting in London at end of month.

Thanks for copy of lecture (Rusden 1874: Selection, natural and artificial, a lecture delivered in the Wangaratta Athenaeum by Mr. H. K. Rusden on Monday, October 26th, 1874) and essay (Rusden 1872: The treatment of criminals in relation to science, an essay read before the Royal Society of Victoria).

Comments on the essay.

Has at last finished Insectivorous plants

and is rewriting Climbing plants.

W. W. Ouless has finished his picture of CD for Academy.

Seems to be in error about the nests of the two flycatchers.

Has just come to London. Invites TB to luncheon.

CD recounts events of the April-fool’s day séance at Hensleigh [Wedgwood]’s. Asks GHD to find out whether Sidgwick’s account of it agrees with what he has heard. "What rubbish the whole does seem to be!"

About elections to [an unspecified] club.

Another message about club elections.

Is sending plants from cut-leaved vine.

Invites GJR to visit.

"When in presence of my ladies do not talk about experiments on animals."

Writes regarding local difficulties concerning Down School and the setting up of a reading-room; his strained relationship with G. S. ffinden following some misunderstanding.

Explains that there is no need for the addressee to apologise.

Is glad JM will publish [Climbing plants] as a separate little book. Some people have been much interested in it, though it has been read by very few.

"We have not a day to lose if our [Vivisection] Bill or our petition is to do any good". Reports on the activities of the opposition and the attitude of politicians on the subject. Believes a meeting with a minister should be arranged and thinks Lord Derby would be a good man. "All will depend on some half-dozen or 9 or 12 men agreeing on the bill."