MS of Movement in plants in final stage. Fears it will displease many German physiologists. It is an attempt to bring all the diversified movements of plants under one general law or system.

Sends sheets of Movement in plants for translation, if JVC sees fit. It has some value and novelty, CD believes, but is very dull.

CD is ashamed of length of Movement in plants – with index, nearly 600 pages. JVC will be awfully sick of ch. 1.

In intervals of correcting proofs, he is writing on the formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms. It will be a curious little book [Earthworms].

Very pleased by JVC’s note about Movement in plants. Feared he would find it intolerably dull. Some missing sheets are being replaced. Also sends a perfect copy.

Thanks JVC for corrections of Movement in plants. Sends a clarifying sentence.

Earthworms nearly done – "a small book of little moment".

Reports his health is better than it was, "but I have little strength & feel very old".

Ernst Krause wishes to publish a section of Earthworms in Kosmos. CD has consented. Hopes JVC will not object. He feels under obligation to Krause.

CD will soon finish corrections [of Earthworms] for printer, and then clean sheets will be sent to JVC for translation of the book and to Ernst Krause. The subject has been a "hobby-horse" with CD, and he has perhaps treated it in foolish detail. Has told Krause he does not think any part of the MS suitable for Kosmos, but Krause must decide.

Delay in publication [of Earthworms] vexes CD, as he likes to throw a subject off his mind.

Sends corrections ("two bad errata & a blunder") in Earthworms, which is selling well in England.

Sends some additions and corrections he has made in the 5th thousand, [of Earthworms] now being printed.

Thanks JVC for his corrections of "stupid errata" [in Earthworms]. Explains, in answer to JVC’s query, that he has used the word "humus" as the equivalent of vegetable mould.