Report on three rare beetles they have recently taken in Down parish.

Instructions on paying a bill.

Asks FD to check whether a Latin sentence is correct.

A cheque written out for FD has never been presented to CD’s bankers.

Has been working with G. R. Crotch on stridulation. The sexual theory seems very shaky.

Is sending preparations of beetles.

Sends message to CD about development of horns in sheep.

Reports what he must pay for university courses. Forgets what CD wants to know about vermiform appendage.

Humphrey does not think more bones in female os coccyx than in male. Because of maceration it is impossible to compare male and female skeletons. Has another coach while Stuart ill.

Needs more money to pay his tutoring bills.

Sends a cheque to pay off FD’s debts. Warns him of the dangers of overspending his income and advises him strongly to keep accounts.

Thanks CD for the cheque. Gives account of money owed for tutoring and tennis.

Sends list of bills.

Has no chance of paying his debts, and asks for money.

Sends a cheque to clear FD’s debts. Hopes he will be more careful in the future.

Responds to Mivart’s Genesis of species. "I complain of his incessently speaking as if I trusted exclusively to natural selection … Mivart speaks in many places as if I entirely ignored the direct action of external conditions". Answers some of Mivart’s particular criticisms. Suggests FD read the letter to Marlborough Robert Pryor, as Pryor will never be able to read it himself.

Says Descent is "selling like Mad.––" Murray will print another 1500 or 2000 copies. Has received £630 for the 2500.

On Monday he visited Mivart, who is a charming man.

He seemed to be taken aback by CD’s points about the larynx and giraffe.

[See 7507 and 7519.]

He seemed to have forgotten CD’s argument regarding the formation of the greyhound.

Discussed the larynx and the silence of the Cetaceans.

If FD mentions any of this to [Marlborough Robert] Pryor, ask him not to mention it to anyone else "as it is perhaps rather a breach of confidence to repeat even to friends private conversation."

Very glad about profits of book. Glad CD flummoxed Mivart.

If FD gets the chance, will he observe whether the platysma contracts in a shivering fit? Wants much to know whether the platysma of frightened patients contracts before chloroform is given.

CD will take care of the eight little rabbits. FG outlines their future.

Expressions in attitudes of prayer and adoration.