Asks CD to write his opinion of the views expressed in "Die Darwin’sche Theorie und die Landwirtschaft" in his journal, Reunion.

Thanks for letter of 18th January 1880 and for present of Essays. Interested in Welcker’s investigation of the 'ligamentum teres', and his comment on the feet of the Chinese.

Will esteem it an honour if Welcker dedicates his next book to him.

Comments on JHF’s book [Souvenirs entomologiques (1879)].

Discusses story told by Erasmus Darwin about a wasp cutting off wings of fly.

Sorry JHF is opposed to descent theory.

Suggests experiment concerning insects’ sense of direction.

Sends the Litchfields two drafts of a letter in reply to Samuel Butler’s letter to the Athenæum; hopes for their approval.

Advise against making any reply to Samuel Butler’s charges.

Has shown S. Butler’s Athenæum letter to Frederick Pollock, who confirms RBL’s advice that it needs no answer. Sends an imaginary response by Butler.

Can well understand WN’s new life. WN’s departure a heavy loss.

Asks THH to advise him about a response to Samuel Butler’s attack accusing CD of dishonesty. Quotes the advice of others but will do what THH advises.

Thanks RBL for advice [concerning dispute with Samuel Butler]. Notes reaction of family.

WZS, 12-year-old pupil, asks where he can find answer to question of what causes different shades of colour in inhabitants of earth.

Germination of Megarrhiza. AG’s observations at variance with CD’s.

Has read Butler’s letter and CD’s draft reply and Litchfield’s letter. Has no hesitation in saying CD should take no notice. Litchfield’s advice is judicious.

Thinks Huxley’s judgment on answering S. Butler’s charges would be trustworthy, though THH is horribly pugnacious and would naturally be for fighting.

Says it is not likely he will be able to criticise GJR’s work.

Recommends Jean-Henri Fabre, Souvenirs entomologiques [1879].

Encloses letters from J. F. Moulton [12350 and 12356].

Greatly relieved by THH’s letter [advising against a reply to Samuel Butler].

Samuel Butler’s fierce attack on CD and EK in Athenæum. CD’s sentence saying that EK had altered his Kosmos article was accidentally omitted from second proofs. Butler insinuates that EK’s attack on his book was suggested by CD or interpolated by him in EK’s text.

Comments on colours of races of man. Wishes WZS "or anybody else" could account for them.

Since CD has decided not to answer S. Butler’s charge, WSD will not reply either.

Will look over Francis Darwin’s lecture ["Climbing plants"] with a view to publishing it in Popular Science Review [19 (1880): 213–29].

On GJR’s work on mental evolution in animals. Emphasises "love" among animals.

Comments on stimulation of plants.

On pleasure and pain.

Thinks CD has no need to reply to Samuel Butler’s hostile article [in the Athenæum]. Offers to reply himself.