Kind to send seeds of Aquilegia Brodii. Gives news on her sons. Glad of recent rain to help the hay.

Describes how Pinguicula captures insects.

Sends observations of poison acting on glands of Drosera. Poison acts as a stimulant to protoplasm. Very remarkable that poison acts so differently on the cilia and protoplasm of Drosera.

Reports that Pinguicula is found in north of Scotland. Gives local names and uses. None of his patients, who are from all parts of Scotland, has heard of the use of Pinguicula to curdle milk.

Received CD’s note late and so could not comply, but promises to vote in future for anyone CD recommends for Athenaeum.

Will have new evidence on dog’s intelligence sent to CD.

Action of cobra poison.

Remarks on his work on Pinguicula. Notes its digestive power; it absorbs nutritious matter from leaves and seeds as well as insects.

Returns proof of his note on brain for 2d ed. of Descent. Has added a reference to Abbé Lecomte’s "terrible pamphlet" [Le Darwinisme et l’origine de l’homme (1873)] "lest it be thought I meant our cher Owen".

Reports on his examination of the dried specimens of Pinguicula at Kew to answer CD’s query whether all species secrete.

Wants particularly to know whether seeds or leaves of other plants are ever found adhering to the leaves of Pinguicula. Observations would perhaps best be made in a month or two.

Thanks for letter. CD’s nephew got into the club. The book about the beaver is probably that by Mr Morgan. Does not intend to publish further on the intelligence of the dog.

Is delighted to hear that Pinguicula and Drosera digest fibrin. Suggests diluting gluten in weak hydrochloric acid to remove starch. Enamel was nearly digested [by Drosera] overnight. Would like to try separating the digestive ferment of Pinguicula.

Thanks for letter and seeds.

Asks that Hooker return references about plants eating insects.

Discusses Pinguicula.

Identifies seeds adhering to leaves of Pinguicula [see Insectivorous plants, p. 369].

Describes voyage to New Zealand.

Answers questions about chemistry (see 9202).

LD has misplaced some figures on which he was to work.

Asks for proportion of water and of nitrogen in various ammonium salts.

[WWA’s replies are with the letter.]

Her memorial has passed and her civil list pension has been increased to £100 per annum for life.

Dr Johnson of Shrewsbury has R. W. Darwin letters.

Thanks for letter on Erica tetralix.

Identification of leaves digested by Pinguicula.