Sends abstract of Martin Ziegler’s paper on sensitive movements in Drosera ["Sur un fait physiologique observé sur des feuilles de Drosera", C. R. Hebd. Acad. Sci. 74 (1872): 1227–9].

JTM’s experiments with formic acid and ants have failed to reveal the secret of the ants, but have taught him a great deal about germination.

Criticises paper by Ziegler [see 9339].

Acid experiments on seeds have failed.

Charles Martins has given the first Darwinian lectures on zoology at Montpellier.

Joseph Duval-Jouve is also a Darwinian. The latter has lost his position as Inspector of the Academy because of his liberal views.

Wallace suggests that a trap-door spider with an exposed nest preys on nocturnal insects.

Did not know Duval-Jouve was an evolutionist.

Delighted at JTM’s success with spiders.

On JTM’s experiments with acids on seeds.