Describes difficulty of conditions for the experiment with Drosera suggested by THF.

Thanks THF for information from Colonial Office on population statistics showing the inhabitants of some areas are far from becoming sterile.

Wishes to reprint his four Linnean Society papers on di- and trimorphic plants [Forms of flowers]. Requests permission and woodblocks of figures.

CD is delighted with report from THF about activity of worms in Roman-British ruins at Abinger.

Thanks THF for the diary of worm activity at Abinger site.

CD desires her to say that the cream of THF’s letter of congratulations about William [Darwin]’s marriage [to Sara Sedgwick] lay in the P.S. about "the beloved worms, and not in any such trifles as marrying, &c".

Has received Ledum with its captured flies.

"At present I care for nothing in this wide world except the biology of seedling plants."

Doubts Ledum warrants investigation. Glands probably serve only to protect the flowers against crawling insects, which would not cross-fertilise them.

Sends detailed report on the prospects for a settlement on the coast of Patagonia, pointing out many problems, and recommending instead the Falkland Islands.

[Letter written as a postscript to 11406.] CD has reread his letter of 7 Mar 1878 about the value of James Torbitt’s work on the potato disease and has nothing to withdraw. Emphasises Torbitt’s need for immediate financial help.

Sends some questions raised by THF’s notes on earthworms at Abinger; he plans to use them in his book.

Questions the exact location of rooms and trenches at Abinger excavation [for Earthworms].

Thanks THF for notes on Abinger excavation. Asks for more castings.

THF’s copybook has cleared up all points. The castings are invaluable. Encloses further queries [missing].

Is worried about brick particles in worm-castings. Asks THF for castings from a site where possible error would be avoided.

Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.

Requests a volume of Zoologist with an article dated Oct 1849.

Requests G. J. Allman’s address.

Asks THF to obtain sample of chalk immediately below vegetable mould at Abinger.

Agrees to sit for portrait. Thinks John Collier is a good artist, an opinion based on his portrait of Hooker.