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].

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.

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.

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.

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

Comments on JG’s book [The great ice age and its relation to the antiquity of man, 2d ed. (1877)]. Recalls erratic boulder he knew in Shropshire as a boy.

Discusses legal arrangements [unspecified].