Thanks for essay [Cras credemus: a treatise on the cultivation of the potato from the seed, having for proposed results the extinction of the disease (1876)] and seeds. Thinks principle on which JT is acting is right.

Cannot allow publication of his earlier letter [10368], as he cannot recall what he wrote.

McLachlan has as strong a claim to be F.R.S. as any entomologist, but Garrod’s work is of higher quality.

JT may publish enclosed [letter by CD?], but it is not worth publication.

Thanks HB for obtaining a translation by a learned rabbi of [the Naphtali Lewy] letter – "a real curiosity". [See 10430.]

Gives advice on breeding of blight-resistant potatoes.

Daughter Henrietta’s illness prevents a trip to London.

Grieves over poor account of her health. Emma and Henrietta are also ill.

The Society’s rejection of R. L. Tait’s paper on Nepenthes is a lesson which will last CD for his life. It is clear that he should not have sent it.

Does not think that publishing his letters as advertisement [for potato experiments] would help JT’s cause, so CD cannot give permission.

Regrets that he has neither the time nor health to undertake crossing experiments with JT’s specimens. Discusses crossing varieties.

The Royal Society have returned RLT’s Nepenthes paper and will not have it read because of unfavourable reports from referees.

CD preparing new English and German editions of his early geology [of the voyage of the Beagle] books. Asks for Hooker’s copies as he no longer has his own.

Sends Mind. Henry Sidgwick’s article ["The theory of evolution in its application to practice", Mind 1 (1876): 52–67] is so clear it makes CD feel "a muddle-headed man". But he disagrees with Sidgwick on the origin of morality within tribes.

Is sure mathematical discussion of elevation of continents will be valued by geologists.

Sends Thiselton-Dyer’s suggestions for references to Nepenthes,

and gives his opinion on what will influence the Royal Society’s Council in considering RLT’s candidacy.

CD has just had an interview with Edward Frankland, who "almost laughs" at FD’s idea of getting potash and soda out of the soil by treating it with sulphuric acid. Asks FD to send him a soil sample to give to Frankland. Sends enclosures giving address and labels for soil samples.