Thanks for FPC’s book (presumablyAlone to the alone: prayers for theists (Cobbe ed. 1871)).

CD much interested in article ‘Darwinism in morals’ in the Theological Review (Cobbe 1871).

CDs and FPC’s views on moral sense in hive bees, and an article in the Pall Mal Gazette ([Morley] 1871b).

Cannot provide comment on GF’s paper for publication. Hopes GF will publish in Nature. Will consider his remarks when revising book [Descent].

Reports safe arrival of rabbits.

Is reading Descent.

Encloses some answers to CD’s queries about expressions of Laura Bridgman.

Sends German edition of Descent, vol. 1. Expects good sale. Hopes CD will offer him additional books to publish.

Comments on JM’s review of Descent, vol. 2 [Pall Mall Gaz. 13 (1871): 1358–9].

Mistake CD made "in speaking of greatest happiness as the foundation of morals" is unintelligible to CD. Discusses J. S. Mill’s view of moral feelings as natural. Discusses basis of conscience.

Glad to read remarks on hive-bees.

Thanks for the report of CLB’s lecture about Descent to the New York Liberal Club on 3 March 1871.

Sends four photographs of himself for the sculptor J. W. A. MacDonald.

Objects to the negative reviews of Descent, notably in the Athenæum and the Times.

The exceptions are the Academy, Nature, and his own, in the Field [37 (1871): 210].

CD’s photographs have been sent to [J. W. A.] McDonald, the sculptor, who will make a marble bust for the Liberal Club of New York and a bronze or plaster one for sale; CD will receive a copy. CD has been elected an Honorary Member of the Club, and

CB asks whether he could give them a few words of advice on a practical method of biological study for beginners.

Is sending notes on blushing. Offers information on physiology and pathology of blushing.

Has sent photograph of seven imbeciles in one family.

Encloses two questions he hopes MF can answer: the mechanism of transmission by nerves; and the mechanism by which contemplating part of our body, we become conscious of its existence

Answers to questions about expression.

Thanks for the information about the passages in Xenophon and Horace.

Raises two points on CD’s view, in Descent [2: 229], on how aquatic birds acquire white plumage.

Also remarks on effect of will in certain human modifications,

on colour-blindness in his children,

and on ability to move his ears.

Thanks BvC for the present of his book, Sittlichkeit und Darwinismus.

Comments on Descent.

Reports a case of protective coloration of bugs on Tilia

and observations on frogs fighting [see Descent, 2d ed., pp. 281, 350].

Encloses drawings of chicken feet.

Has had Hinrich Nitsche’s pointed ear photographed. Nitsche also has photographed the ear of a foetal orang. [See Descent 1: 21–3.]

Gratified that CD approves his analysis of CD’s views of moral sense. Does not think there is a fundamental difference between J. S. Mill (Utilitarianism [1863], p. 45) and CD.

His view of those who object to CD’s "new doctrine of the moral sense".

On Hottentots’ blushing.

Gives case of a baboon’s revenge. [See Descent, 2d ed. (1874), p. 69.]

Man’s spiritual life separates him from other animals.

Why are moths attracted, often fatally, to lights?

Thanks for copy of Descent.