Provides another case of apparently pure bred pointers producing litter with one setter puppy. Correspondent was told that this occurred in several litters; gives names of owners and others who can corroborate the information.
Sends record of pigeon flight from London to Antwerp. [Lord W. Lennox, Merrie England (1857), p. 185.]
A bee’s sting always remains behind.
Arrangements for sending Quiz.
Quiz has been sent off to Down.
JBI will leave for Scotland on Monday.
Reports on a bird, offspring of a male mule between a canary and greenfinch, and a hen canary.
Family news.
JBI asks Stephens to ask CD to send particulars of Tegetmeier’s beehives.
About Quiz and [Horace Darwin’s] health.
Asks whether CD has tried W. B. Tegetmeier’s beehives.
News of family and friends.
Saw a white rabbit with black-tipped ears on a moor where only brown ones commonly and black ones occasionally dwell.
Duke of Argyll has been dubbed "Duke Darwinii" by papers.
Large number of toads have been found in railway cuttings; wishes a scientific observer had taken pains to explain where they came from.
Comments on Scottish schools and on the morals of the adult poor.
Explains "Duke Darwinii" reference [in 4283].
Family news.
Writes of Scottish immorality and pious talk.
Suggests a new school for CD’s son [Horace].
Urges Emma to bring CD to hydropathic establishment at Forres.
Family affairs.
Mrs Innes’ brother-in-law has died.
Recommends a tutor for CD’s son.
Sends school subscription to CD as treasurer. Hopes Henrietta will assist in teaching there.
Congratulates CD on son’s [George’s] distinction [Second Wrangler] at Cambridge.
Writes about difficulties in which S. J. O. Horsman, curate at Down, has involved himself and others. Horsman has said he would resign. JBI offers to give up his interests in the living at Down.
Further discussion of the difficulties with S. J. O’H. Horsman [curate at Down].
JBI has been charmed with Variation. Does not think there is really any theological difficulty in the "predestination of variation".