Although CD’s experiments with pepsin were unsuccessful, he observed that the glands [of Drosera] as far as acid is concerned act just as the stomach of a mammal. Further experiments detailed. The secretion must contain something analogous to pepsin. [See 9062.]

Will follow EF’s suggestions as to securing purity of fibrin.

Discusses apple specimens received from CL; reversion to crab state. Cites passage on subject in Variation.

Comments on letter from Mr Wood on inheritance in fruit-trees.

Would like to cross flowers of "Hawthornden" with many distinct varieties.

CD will have to make heavy corrections in Expression and Descent if there ever is a new edition of either.

Will soon begin another book [Insectivorous plants].

It and a second one [Cross and self-fertilisation] will sell only "very specially".

Comments on EH’s Natürliche Schöpfungsgeschichte [4th ed.].

Has written paper on rudimentary structures ["Complemental males of certain cirripedes", (1873) Collected papers 2: 177–82].

Edward Morse thinks brachiopods should be classed with annelids ["The systematic position of the Brachiopoda", Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 15 (1873): 315–73].

Seedling vigour resulting from crossing of parents.

CD to publish work on insectivorous plants.

Had read Tyndall’s letter [Nature 8 (1873): 399] – awfully savage, but certainly a great mistake to print it.

Thinks JDH will think better of Clerk Maxwell’s paper after he reads it.

Asks whether JDH could find out for him the temperature of rain in very hot countries.

Is sending washings of 445 leaves in EF’s distilled water with 20 grains of carbonate of soda. Details of the difficulties and complications involved.

CD refuses an interview because of a severe headache, but wishes all success to the Gardeners’ Chronicle.