Sends a note on R. Caspary’s observations of Corydalis self-fertilisation [see Cross and self-fertilisation, p. 331].

Has begun his experiments on the self- and cross-fertilised flowers.

Reports cases from his family of inheritance of turning in sleep, sleep-walking at full moon, and eyes giving out red light at early age.

Thanks for copy of Wyman’s book.

His own recent researches [on pollen] at high altitudes were inspired by CD’s account in Journal of researches of distances dust may travel.

Would like a photograph of CD.

Corrects chemical concentrations CD has been using [in insectivorous plant experimentation].

CD’s nomination to French Academy fails again.

Offers different explanations [from CD’s in Expression] for movements of dogs after voiding, and for their turning around before lying down.

CD is also wrong in saying hares do not cry except when they suffer.

Comments on the form and function of a muscle in the rectal region of animals.

Discusses the scratching action of dogs.

Thanks for photograph.

Thanks for suggestion to try effect of dry heat on pollen and for other new information on pollen. Will begin new experiments soon, hoping to cure hay-fever.

Believes some flowers fail to produce seed because of the access of too great a quantity of pollen. Asks for CD’s opinion and references.

Sends his paper on Ophrys insectifera, translated into German by H. G. Reichenbach [Abh. Kais. Leopold.-Carol. Dtsch. Akad. Naturforsch. 33 (1870) no. 3], which shows the intermediates between O. aranifera and O. apifera. He has since gathered information on variation in Ophrys.

JLGK’s public advocacy of Darwinism brings him into numerous arguments.

Sends sodium carbonate for Drosera experiments. Will try to determine what the solvent is.

Sends a bottle containing fish which Lord Arthur Russell had promised to send.

Is going to Switzerland, so analysis of Drosera washings will be delayed. Agrees with CD that solvent is probably pepsin.

Asks CD to meet with Dr Wild to discuss the Westminster Review, which CD has supported.

Quotes from Alexander Kennedy on Maori observations on competition between native New Zealand birds and introduced bees for nectar of tree blossoms.

JVC’s travel plans in England. Hopes to visit CD.

He will repeat the experiments in which CD found that formic acid vapour killed seeds [see 8866]. John Lindley describes effects of other acids on germination.

He has tabulated the large amount of variation in English Ophrys apifera.

CD has clarified the way to conduct the formic acid experiment.