Is pleased to hear that the translator for the Dutch edition [of Descent] is a person so well qualified [see 7384]. He encloses a facsimile of the title page. Reports arrangements with John Murray.

Asks WED’s help in acquiring expression photographs and engravings.

Wishes to send Langstaff a copy of his book [Expression], in gratitude for his valuable notes.

Would like precise details about pouting of English children to add to his information about children of savages.

Encloses an article he wrote for the Scotsman [9 Mar 1871, p. 5].

Wishes he had time to write a critique of Descent. There is evidence of design and benevolence in nature. Beauty cannot be accounted for by natural selection.

Encloses two questions he hopes MF can answer: the mechanism of transmission by nerves; and the mechanism by which contemplating part of our body, we become conscious of its existence

Thanks AGB for "various notes".

Would like to hear his views about the Brahmaea.

Thanks for letter [8137]. Finds observation at Stonehenge of depth of mould at different parts of slope "most valuable".

Feels that StGJM’s review of Descent [Q. Rev. 131 (1871): 47–90] greatly misrepresents CD’s opinions and conclusions. Feels their differences of opinion are so great that discussion of almost any subject would be a waste of both their time.

Asks FD questions about his sketch [missing] of ridges and furrows. [FD’s answers are interlined.]

Wishes their correspondence regarding their differences to be dropped, as CD feels that nothing he could say would have any influence on StGJM.

Discusses earthworm activity observed in old ploughed fields.

Encloses a testimonial for AG [in support of his application for a promotion at British Museum].

Does he agree with Carl Gegenbaur’s paper on the limbs of fish [Jenaische Z. Naturwiss. 5 (1870): 397–447]?

Asks what caused G. R. Gray’s sudden death.

HE’s facts about the Mexican ant [Myrmecocystus mexicanus] are "most wonderful & interesting".

Encloses R. McLachlan’s certificate of nomination for Royal Society. Hopes CD will sign it, as McLachlan is the most philosophic member of the Entomological Society in years.

CD’s observations on the power of movement and transmission of motor impulses in plants. If RLT succeeds with the tails of mice, it will be "a beautiful little discovery"; CD will enjoy it the more "because some German sneered at natural selection and instanced the tail of the mouse" [see 10013].

Is glad ARW will attend to vote for Lankester [at the Linnean Society].

Has signed enclosure [Royal Society nomination for McLachlan] with pleasure.

Has signed certificates.

His specimen catalogue has not been returned from Cambridge museum. If not lost, will answer query.

Discusses spider specimens.