Tells JVC that to the title on the first page [of Cross and self-fertilisation] is to be added "in the vegetable kingdom".

Guesses that Orchids [2d ed.] will be 20 or 30 pages longer than the old edition.

Thanks FD for corrections [to Orchids (1877)].

Thinks Johann von Fischer’s paper on monkeys’ rumps [Der Zoologische Garten 17 (1876): 116–27, 174–9] worth translating, and he intends to write a letter on it to Nature [Collected papers 2: 207–11].

The sheets of Cross and self-fertilisation will be sent to OZ as they become ready.

CD is much interested in a change in Drosera reported by GC, but "rather doubts" exclusion of insects can have caused it; would like to see the plant and suggests sending it to Down.

Approves the type for Orchids [2d ed.]. The printer should advise Murray that it will be 300 pages.

Sends an article for FD.

Is glad he is able to work on his teasel paper [Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 26 (1878): 4–8]; suggests some observations FD could make.

Discusses views of [Alexander James] Maule on potatoes.

Discusses graft-hybrids.

Asks for reference to an article on a mandrill.

Has seen notice on Empetrum but cannot understand how leaves in bud could act as fly-catchers.

CD is much obliged to receive Beiträge zur Descendenz-Theorie [1876].

Comments on essays by MW [Das Ausland, May 1875]. Criticises his theory of isolation as source of species change: "But my strongest objection to your theory is that it does not explain the manifold adaptations in structure in every organic being". Believes MW has misunderstood his views: "I believe that all the individuals of a species can be slowly modified within the same district … I do not believe that one species will give birth to two or more new species, as long as they are mingled together within the same district."

Frank, who has been reclusive and very hardworking, is returning from Wales after a period of mourning for Amy.

Proof sheets [of Cross and self-fertilisation] have been lost.

Refers him to Nature [14 (1876): 553] in which a Russian doctor [Prof. Poplavsky] contradicts GHD on deaf mutes not being closely interrelated.

Floral structure. The order of the development of the whorls and its relationship to a protandrous or protogynous condition in flowers.

Thanks for a copy of GJ’s Zoologische Briefe (Jäger 1876).

Thanks for the third number of the Geological survey of Victoria.

Asks his correspondent to thank Prof. Reichenbach for his kindness. A plant was discovered in flower at Kew, and he was able to examine the doubtful point.

Sends sheets [of Cross and self-fertilisation].

Heliotypes for Expression delayed because new negatives must be made.

Thanks Herr Koch [of Schweizerbart] for copies of Coral reefs and Climbing plants.

Asks JDH to find young imperfect flowers of Hoya. CD has observed seed set although there was no trace of anthers.