CD plans to use notes provided by GB. [See Origin, 6th ed., p. 193.]

"Please accept my thanks for your kind present of your two Papers."

Encloses a letter to be prefixed to JJM’s translation of the Origin.

Expresses his satisfaction that JJM has undertaken the translation [of a fourth French edition] of Origin. Urges the use of the sixth English edition so as to include corrections and additions.

His interest in influencing the eminent men of science in France.

Thanks WALM for having sent interesting publications, especially the one on relation of structure of man to lower animals,

and just a few days since, on protuberances on bird skulls. WALM’s facts on the latter subject have an important bearing on the acquisition of sexual characters. CD is pleased that the influence of sexual selection is admitted.

JP’s note [8739] suggests reversion, but that is an easy trap. Will look to the ears of "our brethren at the Zool. Gardens".

Thanks for observations on worm-castings and for JLGK’s amusing letter.

Wants to know whether species of Eucalyptus are dichogamous. [The P.S. on Eucalyptus may be part of another letter to another correspondent.]

Thanks for his suggestion about drawings for future edition [of Coral reefs].

Thanks MTM for his excellent review [of Insectivorous plants]

and for his trouble about the gooseberry.

Thanks JF for his book.

At present has no observations he wishes made in India.

Thanks for sending Moritz Wagner’s letter and his essays [on "Der Naturprocess der Artbildung" in Das Ausland (1875)]. Will read them and write to Wagner when his health is better.

Declines to receive Scherzer at Down.

Thanks for sending article on inheritance.

CD has arranged with Murray for CR to have woodcuts at cost for proposed French translation [of Movement in plants].

Has sent £10 to Mme Barbier.

Thanks for note. CD had had misgivings about Chatin but had assumed he was trustworthy [see Movement in plants, p. 389].

Cannot help JP [with bird-powered flying machine].

Introduces Capt. George Montague Wheeler of the US Engineers, who has charge of the government expedition west of the 100th meridian.

An enclosure for CD has arrived from the Academy of Sciences in Vienna: please can CD send a postal order for 4s.

Instructions to send parcel to Orpington Station, S.E.R.

Is delighted with JP’s article on vivisection ["Vivisection: its pains and its uses, No. 1", Nineteenth Century 10 (1881): 920–30]. CD is "boiling over with indignation on the subject".

Thanks VOK for a photograph and his New Year wishes.

Thanks for letter and promise to send pamphlet.