CW’s article responding to Mivart [see 8351] on the fixity of species is very clear.

On evolution of language, CD doubts W. D. Whitney’s claim that changes are effected by the will of man. Asks CW when a thing may properly be said to be so effected.

Agrees to read paper; warns he lacks mathematical knowledge.

Comments on enclosed discussion of S. American geology by Agassiz. Mentions elevation of Patagonia and glaciation.

Is correcting proofs for Expression.

Family news.

Invites JTG to visit.

Mentions visit from F. C. Donders.

Thanks recipient for information about eye colour of his shepherd dogs.

Discusses a paper JTG wanted to read at a BAAS meeting.

Acknowledges receipt of cheque.

CD thanks CW for long, interesting letter; hopes the ideas will be worked into an essay some day.

Suggests dates for a proposed visit and gives instructions for reaching Down.

Recommends J. C. Houzeau’s Études sur les facultés mentales des animaux [1872].

Was glad to make CW’s acquaintance.

Orders enema.

Would greatly prefer an enema with a shorter nozzle but with a somewhat larger diameter.

Sends Expression.

Remarks on student days and old friends.

Asks about possible animal substances in samples of Belladonna and Digitalis.

Is glad JEG has made out what the guemul is ["On the Guémul", Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 4th ser. 10 (1872): 445–6; 11 (1873): 214–20, 308–10].

Asks about woodblocks of illustrations for Climbing plants [1875].

CD subscribes an additional £10.

Thanks TD for catalogue of his Cretacean fossils.

Regrets he cannot visit Brighton.

Thanks CL for copy of Antiquity of man [4th ed. (1873)]; will read the modified or new parts.

Printed memorandum giving reasons why there should be subsidy on a large scale of scientific research unencumbered with teaching.