Returns Gray’s review [of paper on mimetic analogy, Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 36 (1863): 285–90]
and expresses his sorrow over CD’s health.
Pleased at receiving CD’s letter.
HWB informs him of favourable notice of the mimetic paper [in Wiegmann’s Arch. Naturgesch. 29 (1863) pt 2: 315–19].
He is pleased with his post [Asst. Sec. of Royal Geographical Society].
Expresses pleasure at signs of CD’s recovery.
HWB’s work on the identification of species of the genus Colobthea; relates the large number of modifications that occur in the sexual organs of closely allied species. Does not doubt that this contributes greatly to multiplication of species in nature.
He encloses a portrait and asks for one of CD.
He has sent mimetic paper to B. D. Walsh.
Mentions work at Royal Geographical Society on N. Pole business [plans for an Arctic expedition, eventually postponed until 1875–6].
HWB sends a copy [missing] of Boutakoff’s letter, explaining that the deer were saiga antelopes and the islands were new discoveries.
Sexual ornamentation of insects: coloration of Epicalia genus [of tropical S. American butterflies];
horned genera of lamellicorn beetles [see Descent 1: 370, 388].
Wallace brought CD’s question about gay-coloured caterpillars before the Entomological Society. Members now seeking explanations.
Working on sexual differences in collection of horned beetles and will send CD results.
Answers CD’s questions [sent on behalf of Miss Tollet of Betley Hall, Staffs.] on mimicry – how it helps prevent extinction, the modifications occurring with a change of habitat until mimicry occurred.
Also gives some cases of sexual differences.
Has put question of proportion of sexes in insects to the Entomological Society. Quotes H. T. Stainton and F. Smith. Cites some cases mentioned by other members.
Is reading Variation; does not quite understand Pangenesis.
Comments on J. O. Westwood’s entomological nomenclature.
Discusses the organs for stridulation in Orthoptera [see Descent 1: 352ff].
Finds no absolute differences in size of sexes of Copridae. Gives several other genera in which males are larger than females.
Confirms his view of stridulation organ of house cricket. [see Descent 1: 354–5.]
Tells CD of a powerful convert to Darwinism: H. von Kiesenwetter of Berlin.
Results of his examination of divergence in sexual coloration of tropical American butterflies. [See Descent 1: 389 on Junonia and Papilio.]
In addition to the drawing of a caterpillar which CD intends to use,
HWB sends information on differences of colour and pattern between the sexes of species of Papilio.
Argynnis diana and A. sagana have females that are brightly coloured, but these may be cases of protective mimicry.
HWB thinks he can buy specimens of male and female insects at Mr Janson’s.
He has been occupied with Royal Geographical Society anniversary meeting, but did go to Janson and selected various specimens for CD, some of which have remarkable stridulating organs.
The habits of Lethrus are found in Kirby and Spence’s Introduction [to entomology, 7th ed. (1856)].
Because of work on the first number of the new Royal Geographical Society magazine, a manual of geography, and other things, HWB finds he must decline CD’s invitation.
Informs CD of K. G. Semper’s desire to meet him and to discuss new information on volcanic phenomena, geographical distribution, etc.
Ashamed that members of the Entomological Society have almost no information on sex ratio of bred insects in response to CD’s query of months ago. One exception, William Buckler, promises results. [See Descent 1: 313.]
Returns CD’s MS [of entomological section of Descent] marked with suggested alterations.
Suggests qualifications about rudimentary horn in female Onitis furcifer [See Descent 1: 372].
Sends additional data on colour differences in sexes of longicorn Coleoptera [See Descent 1: 367–8].
Suggests a modification of CD’s view of female coloration that would bring him "nearly into harmony" with Wallace.
Concern over Wallace’s book [Contributions to the theory of natural selection (1870)] and its apparent backsliding from Darwinian theory. HWB suggests that only CD is capable of criticising the book.
HWB hopes not too much was made over his few comments on man in M. F. Somerville’s book [Physical geography, revised ed. (1870)].
Encloses A. R. Wallace’s reply [in which he says he will undertake revision of Descent if CD wishes]. HWB says this shows that Wallace is unaware of the scope of revision; suggests need for well-defined terms.
