He has examined Hoya flowers with Bentham and Oliver, but they are not satisfied about the five processes alternating with the sepals. [See Forms of flowers, pp. 331–2.] Sends specimens of plants.

Babington’s surprise at JDH’s advocacy of Darwinian views at Norwich [BAAS meeting].

Criticism of the behaviour of the trustees of the British Museum [in the Challenger affair].

Complains at Albert Günther’s imputations against Charles Wyville Thomson [as a result of the dispute between Thomson and the British Museum, regarding the disposal of the specimens from the Challenger].

No summary available.

Notes variation in style and stamen length in Forsythia.

JDH writes that he is waiting to hear whether the Royal Society has accepted the proposal that it undertake the work on Sir Wyville Thomson's specimens [from the HMS 'Challenger' expedition]. If the suggestion is approved JDH will submit a detailed plan. The plan has already been prepared, a complex procedure as a work of such scope has never been undertaken before. The plan will ask for £3500 for 1877-1878 for the publication of the work. JDH asks Smith to authorise the submission of the plan to the Navy[?].