Gives opinion on the merits of Mr [Stephen P. J.] Eng[leheart (Darwin family doctor)]. Believes he would make an excellent county officer if elected to the district office of health.

Has read Expression, and assures CD some people cry when happy.

Klein says water ought to be changed daily. Asks to tell G Revalenta shop shut. Klein reports discovery about toads’ ova does not bear on pangenesis.

Notes headed "Observations on the expression of the emotions".

Notes referring to passages in Expression [annotated in places by Francis Darwin, presumably when preparing 2d ed.].

Observations on her pet cat.

"Sir William Gull has just brought me the enclosed quotations from Chaucer, as illustrations of the closure of the eyes in effort. [In "The Nun’s priest’s tale" in Canterbury tales the fox tricks Chanticleer into crowing, whereupon Chanticleer closes his eyes to make the effort (and gets seized by the fox).] He begs me to send them to you.

I have lately seen a terrier who very distinctly frowns during mental excitement – not always with anger, but often, I think, with anxiety, as in expecting food."

Describes some behaviour in herring gulls similar to that of sheldrakes as described by CD in Expression [pp. 47–8].

On expression among Kaffirs and Hottentots.

Notes on CD’s Expression.

Asks for certain observations to be made on Drosera and Dionaea.

CD appreciates the correspondent’s suggestion.

HA’s paper on leaf arrangement is almost ready; asks CD to communicate it to the Royal Society. Seeks permission to quote from CD’s notes.

Thanks for copy of Expression. Notes on expression among the Széklers.

Sends a copy of his book of travels in Scotland.

Reports the case of an idiot in his care who apparently chews his cud.

Has studied CD’s books and accepts evolution without giving up belief in creation of first forms.

On theory in Descent, suggests offspring of the original [human] progenitor dispersed before a human stage arrived at; this would account for races and languages with no discernible common origin.

Comments on FG’s article ["Hereditary improvement", Fraser’s Mag. 87 (1873): 116–30]. Finds it "the sole feasible, yet I fear utopian, plan of procedure in improving the human race".

Thanks for rabbits for Balfour.

Mentions reading W. R. Greg’s Enigmas [of life (1872)].

Asks whether his observations on absorptive powers of glandular hairs of plants are new facts.

Asks for a Drosophyllum.

Comments on Francis Galton’s article in Fraser’s Magazine,

Greg’s Enigmas,

and Alphonse de Candolle’s Histoire des sciences.

"If you will apply to any bookseller whatever you will procure a copy.–– Publisher Murray."

Fascinated by Greg’s Enigmas, though its matter is weak.

Is vexed at being drawn into hostility toward British Museum through William Carruthers’ insolence and presumption.

Recounts visit with Edward Cardwell [Secretary for War].

Has sent Candolle’s book to Gladstone.

JDH indignant at Gladstone’s speech putting English science below French and German.

Thinks it is an accepted dogma that glandular hairs are excreting only. Will ask others to confirm.