JDH informs Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer that they are both summoned to a meeting with Algernon Freeman Mitford at the Office of Works, along with Daniel Oliver & [Alexander?] Moore. The latter of whom has written a long letter of falsehoods.

Thanks for kindness in speaking to the Duke of Bedford - has not heard from him - today sent application with copies of his testimonials - should he get the post, Bedford's influence could be brought to bear on the Cttee. Papers today: you have just received [John] Miers' Brazilian collection of plants - puts me in mind of a subject I am much interested in - the getting collections arranged geographically [as opposed to systematically, which results in a number of interesting points being overlooked] - do not know if you have the power to make such an innovation but if you have I suggest it for your consideration as supplying a great want & at the same time setting a much needed example.

Thanks CD for signing a memorial.

Thanks for Erasmus Darwin.

Encloses latest report on his new potatoes. Believes the plants should be grown from seed every fourth year to preserve yield and disease-resistance.

No summary available.

Sends a book on shorthand

and a paper, probably by Erasmus Darwin, entitled "Moral and physical hermeneutics", on the subject of temperance.

Received enclosed report from Torbitt on potato experiments.

Answers EK’s questions. Sorry to report Erasmus Darwin sold only 600 copies at advance sale.

Thanks for the offer of lending a manuscript relating to his grandfather. It will be of use if a second edition of the Life of Dr. Darwin should appear. Will take the greatest care of them and return them as soon as he has read them.

Describes problems of raising money [for potato experiments]. "A Government official in another office remarked to me that it was very difficult for Ministers to decide what to do in such cases as they must be prepared for mere cavillers in the H[ouse] of Commons."

Thinks W. P. Garrison’s book [extracts from Journal of researches for juvenile readers] would serve as an advertisement for the Journal.

Disappointed at sale of Erasmus Darwin.

Thanks for Erasmus Darwin. It is a rare life and an unmatched illustration of the transmission of intellectual strength.

No summary available.

Supports CD’s theory but doubts that butterfly life-cycle is consistent with it. Metamorphosis of butterflies is not comparable to that of other insects.

Comments on butterfly fertilisation of flowers.

Thanking Meldola for information regarding Epping Forest post. Asks Meldola to keep him posted (via Mr Bames) about the quality of the other candidates and the names of those on the sub-committee.

Her brother-in-law, Edward Wheler, died on Sunday.

Sends some corrections for Erasmus Darwin.

Encloses a report on JT’s potato varieties by William Meredith, one of the many individuals in the country who are growing them.

Thanks ESG for list of errata in his part [of Erasmus Darwin].

Extends sympathy on death of Edward Wheler, E. S. G’s brother-in-law.

Wants a plant identified;

would like some cotton seeds.