Thanks for cotton seeds.

Germination of Megarrhiza.

Suspects WTT-D is the author of a good review of Erasmus Darwin in Nature [21 (1880): 245–7].

Asa Gray wants seeds of a variety of cotton known as vine cotton.

Wants Ipomoea seeds for observing germination.

WTT-D’s suggestion about absorbent function of pegs in Abronia suggests origin of pegs in Welwitschia, which deeply interests CD. Previously could not see how pegs became large enough to be of mechanical use. Now thinks tissue between hypocotyl and radicle absorbs fluid, which would favour rise of peg to expose larger surface.

Rejects German contempt for investigating use of organs.

Asks WTT-D to observe how worms draw Robinia leaves into burrows.

Wants plants with two sets of anthers of different colours. Fritz Müller letter [13041a] has made him wish to renew experiments and observations carried out 20 years ago.

Wants Monochaetum flowers for examination as he has forgotten the structure and cannot publish until he has repeated his observations and experiments.

Thanks for Monochaetum flowers; his old notes have now become intelligible.

About Francis Darwin’s application for election to [Royal] Society.

Wants Trifolium seed.

Has been rereading WTT-D’s letters on "bloom".

Wants a Clematis identified. Has been observing how earthworms drag down its petioles.

Thanks for WTT-D’s attempts to get the Trifolium seeds.

Progress of his and Frank Darwin’s work; "all natural science seems now to depend on section-cutting".

Would be grateful for some Euphorbia species for examination of the roots. "The subject is by no means worth all the labour I am bestowing on it, but I cannot bear to be beaten."

Magnificent supply of Euphorbiae arrived safely.