Wishes to borrow third part of Fritz Müller’s article on sexual selection in butterflies [Kosmos 2 (1877–8): 218–24].

Is forwarding material on stridulation, including Prof. Wood-Mason’s paper ["Note on Mygale stridulans", Trans. R. Entomol. Soc. Lond. (1877): 281–2], which should interest CD.

The portrait of Erasmus Darwin by Wright of Derby has been dispatched.

Sends cutting on origin of variety of merino sheep.

Would like references to works on breeding.

Cites language books; a comparison of them shows unity of language.

Constituents of spermaceti ointment supplied to CD. Perhaps effect was caused by substance used to bleach the bees-wax.

LD’s chemical analysis of lamp-black.

Has been testing lamp-black for ammonia.

Encloses some notes on maize that may be useful.

CD elected an honorary professor of the Institucion Libre de Enseñanza.

Invites CD to Kew.

He has obtained further evidence that rats gnaw through lead pipes for water. CD’s opinion that they hear trickling confirms his view that they possess reason.

Sorry he was out when CD called.

A "dog fancier" and newspaper critic of dog shows, HD seeks CD’s opinion on the origin, cause, and use of "dew claws".

Insectivorous plants.

Returns Kosmos.

Thanks CD for permission to use Fritz Müller’s last letter, which contains new observations.

Offers observations on pollination.

Has been reading Samuel Haughton on geological time ["Notes on physical geology, no. III", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 26 (1877): 534–46]. It is utter rubbish. Asks whether CD thinks GHD should write a critical note on the subject [see Nature 17 (1878): 509–10].

Asks for subscription for A. H. Everett’s cave explorations in Borneo.

Is sure CD is pleased with Albert Gaudry’s new book [Les enchaînements du monde animal dans les temps géologiques (1878)].

Is using CD’s correspondence with Chauncey Wright in his book on CW [Letters of Chauncey Wright (1878)].

Information on Cyclamen and other plants.

Identification of some plants.

"Bloom".