Was gratified "beyond measure" by AN’s comments on his pigeon chapter [in Variation] in the [Zoological] Record [5 (1868): 94–6]. AN is the first man capable of forming a judgment who seems to have thought anything of this part.

Intends to see Adam Sedgwick.

Arranges to meet AN.

Thanks AN for facts and corrections [for Descent].

The case of the gull must come out [Descent 2: 108 n. 9]. "Oh Lord, how difficult accuracy is!"

Asks AN to vote for CD’s nephew, Henry Parker, at the Athenaeum.

Cannot answer AN’s questions about Origin; it would take weeks to find the references. Assures AN he stated nothing without an authority he thought good.

Feels sure missel thrushes have increased in number since his youth. Starlings have also increased astonishingly in Kent. "How inexplicable most of these cases are".

In a P.S. remembers his source for statement about increase of missel thrushes in Origin.

Can give no definite information. Believes severe winters are by far the most important check on numbers of birds; the destruction of eggs is of subordinate importance.

Thanks AN for telling him of the complex cross among wagtails. CD is surprised that so much close interbreeding does not check their propagation.

CD does not suppose he will ever have strength to work up his data on hybridism, so he will not write to Mr Monk.

"I have signed the enclosed with pleasure."

Thanks AN for his kind expression about Frank [Darwin].