Acknowledges copy of Insectivorous plants; has observed Drosera filiformis leaves closing around prey.

When the tails of horned cattle are rubbed ‘just below the root,’ they invariably twist their bodies, stretch their necks, and begin to lick their lips.

Hopes printing of Variation [2d ed.] is going satisfactorily.

Climbing plants [2d ed.] is finished.

Canestrini still owes £10 from 1869 for electros of 1st edition [of Variation].

RC has urged Clowes on with printing of Variation [2d ed.],

but with Climbing plants [2d ed.] ready, it need not be done before the annual sale.

Asks CD’s opinion on whether there is a fundamental difference between the "primitive forms" of animals and plants. Mentions and rejects various views of major distinguishing characteristics.

Has secured rights to Variation from Judd & Co.; had to pay $350 [dollars or pounds!?] for old plates and promise 50% discount on 150 copies of the new edition. Hopes Murray’s charge for plates of new edition will not exceed cost of doing the work in the U. S. Judd lost out considerably from small sale of his edition.

Wishes CD to present RLT’s paper on insectivorous plants to the Royal Society.

Charge for 500 sets of the heliotype illustrations of Expression is £37 10s 6d.

Sends an article for CD’s opinion.

Has finished an account of the globes for the Philosophical Magazine ["On maps of the world", 50 (1875): 431–44].

His poor health has interfered with his pitch experiments.

Sends CD his answers to W. D. Whitney’s articles. Sees man as separated from other animals by the possession of language. There is no scientific evidence for even the slightest attempt at language in the higher animals, which cannot, therefore, be reasonably regarded as "stunted man". [See "In self-defence", Chips from a German workshop 4 (1875): 473–549.]

JDH shares CD’s annoyance with R. L. Tait.

Has identified awned carpels for CD.

Sports of Paritium.

Suggests extending Francis’ experiments with glycerine on twisted seeds, to Mimosa.

PS concerning Imantophyllum.

Sent a copy of Orchis book to Gentry. Mentions Morley’s article on Diderot. Asks for another copy of the new edition of Descent.

Comments on Insectivorous plants, p. 353 mentioning J. J. T. Schloesing’s experiments with carbonate of ammonia [see J. J. T. Schloesing, "Sur l’absorption de l’ammoniaque de l’air par les végétaux", C. R. Hebd. Acad. Sci. 78 (1874): 1700–3].

Reports observations of T. C. Renshaw on how some flowers of the Tritoma catch bees and other insects. Thinks it may be a contrivance against unbidden visitors, as insects caught are not consumed.

Wants CD to contribute to a new magazine to promote theism.

Gives directions for growing plants he has sent and corrects CD’s taxonomy.

It has been empirically established at Kew that insular plants tend to be heteromorphic, plants with entire leaves tending to produce divided leaves.

Has heard that 2d ed. of Variation is out. If CD will send it to him, he will complete the Italian translation in a short time.

His translation of Expression is nearly finished [published in 1878],

and the 2d ed. of Origin is almost entirely published.

Sends a copy of Climbing plants [2d ed.]. Price cannot be higher than 6s.

Variation [2d ed.] price will be 18s, if CD approves. Future reprints will not be costly, since both have been stereotyped.