Regrets he cannot sign a memorial for correspondent’s father [Edward Truelove], which states an opinion on a life that is totally unknown to him. Feels that Edward Truelove’s sentence was very harsh [ET was imprisoned and fined for selling "obscene" publications advocating artificial control of conception] even though CD is strongly opposed to all the views expressed.

Comments on R. D. Owen’s Moral physiology [1831].

Suggests FD call on Carl Semper.

Inquires about Porlieria: Do the leaves shut to check evaporation? Does it appear silver under water?

Explains how he thinks the pulvinus acts; wishes FD would investigate the point.

CD contributes £200 to JDH’s Royal Society fund.

Has a magnificent bush of Porlieria. There is no vestige of bloom; CD will test for sleep movements. Reports successful experiments on temperature-induced sensitivity of radicles.

Describes sleep movements in Porlieria and his experiments on movements of radicles.

Thalia flowers have interesting mechanism to ensure cross-fertilisation.

Has been approached by [H. R. Hope-]Pinker who wishes to sculpt him for the Royal Institution; asks whether WS has any knowledge of the matter.

Asks for sketches of [Thalia] pistil, in which he is much interested.

Rejoices that "Lagrange’s case does not seem very bad".

CD is working hard at dissecting Thalia. Has recovered some handiness with microscope.

Thanks GHD for his drawings [of Thalia]. Some parts need attention.

Asks for list of families of sleeping plants. Believes sleep is merely modified circumnutation at a particular time of day.

Porlieria has had no water for some time but shows no sign of flagging.

Describes the response of Thalia flowers to touch.

Writes to say that the point on which he thought GHD’s drawings were mistaken proves to be an error in his own observation.

A report has arrived for FD which CD will forward.

Discusses sleep movements of Porlieria.

Has read an abstract of Julius Wiesner on heliotropism and geotropism ["Die heliotropischen Erscheinungen im Pflanzenreiche", Anz. Kais. Akad. Wiss. Wien 15 (1878): 137–40] which seems important but is puzzling.

Gives details of his observations on climbing plants with reference to comments by Julius Sachs.

Has offered Carl Semper the writing machine.

Speculates on the mechanism of movement in plants and their reception of and response to stimuli.

Is forwarding the writing machine to Carl Semper.

Is glad FD has taken up his old friends, the twiners.

Hopes to get heliotropic aerial roots from J. D. Hooker. Asks FD to find out whether any moulds or roots are apheliotropic. Is puzzled by heliotropism in subterranean roots.

Comments on function of bloom.

Describes the effect of water shortage on sleep movements in Porlieria.