On visit to Boston was told by N. S. Shaler how habits of rattlesnake are consistent with natural selection. Informs CD, as rattlesnake is considered by some a difficult case for his theory.

Sends two papers ["On the physical relations of the new red marl", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 27 (1871): 189–98 and "On the red rocks of England", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 27 (1871): 241–54] bearing on the continuance of generic and specific terrestrial types, in areas of Europe and elsewhere, that lasted from the Upper Silurian to the Lias.

Comments on lamellae in Prion. Offers to send specimen for CD to examine.

Fox hopes to see CD in London in November.

JDH’s servant carries his letter to Henry Holland about problems with Ayrton. Suggests servant take CD’s letter to Holland to town and post them at same time. Holland is said to be very intimate friend of Gladstone.

JDH has no intention of resigning. Thinks W. E. Gladstone would rather see Ayrton turned out than himself. Gladstone knows JDH has friends who would be troublesome. Only moral and political cowardice of Cabinet keeps Ayrton in office.

Lyell is much altered since autumn.

Has CD read Charles Martins’ paper on the glacial origin of the tourbières of the Jura [Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 42 (1871): 286–308]?

John Scott has an admirable series on horticulture in Bengal ["Notes on horticulture in Bengal", J. Agric. & Hortic. Soc. India 2 (1871) pt 1: 241–96; 3 (1872) pt 1: 1–82].

Glad CD agrees with his views as much as he does. Not surprised that his red rocks [Red Sandstones] ideas are disputed. The red marls of Auvergne support his inland water theory.

Has read in papers about CD’s forthcoming work [Expression]; sends anecdote about a dog visiting a dentist for relief of a toothache – thus showing "moral courage".

Explains further N. S. Shaler’s view [see 8015] on rattlesnake habits as consistent with natural selection: the rattle attracts rather than alarms its prey.

Sends specimen of Prion.

Discusses beaks of flamingo and other birds.

Comments on function of lamellae.

JF’s indebtedness to Herbert Spencer. [Published version complete.]

Gives possible explanation for retention of horns throughout the winter by female reindeer.

Work on Atlantis.

Correspondents are giving public lectures on Descent. Would like CD to supply a statement of his religious views for inclusion.

Sends CD some more ducks’ skins so that he can examine the lamellae.

Sends details of his discoveries of relics and bones of the "mound-builders", and Jeffries Wyman’s comments on them.

Details of the JDH–Ayrton–Gladstone imbroglio.

Is sending some lectures as a sign of his society’s respect for CD and his work.

Received his last letter.

Their third lecture will contain a history of creation from the Darwinian point of view.