Forwards an unspecified work for FD to read.

Thanks HM for his review [of Forms of flowers, Kosmos 2 (1877–8): 286].

Thinks HM’s previous article was very important [Kosmos 2 (1877–8): 128–40]. CD will "heartily rejoice" if HM has explained the steps by which Rhamnus and Valeriana have been rendered dioecious.

In London and wishes to meet JDH.

Thanks WP for election [as honorary member of the Medicinisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Gessellschaft zu Jena].

CD at first thought GHD should not answer Haughton [see 10689], but Hooker thinks if no correction is made Haughton’s error will be quoted for 20 years. CD is now inclined to agree.

Thanks him for works by Lazarus Geiger [probably Zur Entwickelungsgeschichte der Menschheit (1871)

and Der Ursprung der Sprache, 2d ed. (1878)].

Thanks JP for congratulations on LL.D. [awarded by Cambridge University].

Comments on Rudolf Virchow’s book [Die Freiheit der Wissenschaft im modernen Staat (1877)].

Thanks for congratulations on his coming birthday. Has nothing special to say as a preface to S[erbian] edition [of Origin (1878)], except to hope it is in every way successful.

Supports idea to translate C. K. Sprengel, but opposes publishing it together with H. Müller because this would raise price of Müller’s useful book.

Confirms JDH’s observation that only tip of cabbage radicle shows geotropism.

Thanks for specimen of Aegilops flour.

Comments on ASW’s papers.

Cites paper by Wilhelm Rimpau on self- and cross-fertilisation in wheat ["Die Züchtung neuer Getreide-Varietäten", Landwirtsch. Jahrb. 6

Comments on letter on potato experiments JT intends to publish. Will talk with T. H. Farrer concerning JT’s work. Could he undertake work if aided by moderate grant or subscription?

THF would do a good deal if he gets Agricultural Society to rear cross-fertilised seeds. Society excellent channel for distribution of fungus-proof variety [of potato]. If James Torbitt will carry on work another year, CD will offer him £100.

CD solicits JDH’s aid in obtaining Government funds for James Torbitt’s efforts to breed disease resistance in potatoes.

T. H. Farrer will consider which department of Government to apply to [for funds for potato experiments]. Government will probably ask Hooker for advice, so CD has written to him. How much money does JT need?

Hopes to visit [Sara and William] later in the year.

CD again asks JDH to support Torbitt’s project to breed disease-resistant potatoes. He has also sought support of Farrer, Duke of Richmond, and James Caird.

T. H. Farrer has talked to James Caird. He believes Royal Agricultural Society will cultivate JT’s seeds. CD pledges £100 for JT’s own experiments.

Describes James Torbitt’s plan for producing disease-resistant potato varieties. [Letter is an earlier version of 11406.]

Thanks for letter. Comments on SBJS’s research on Palaeolithic flint tools.

Forwards letter from James Caird concerning funds for potato experiments. CD will correct his letter to THF [11389] and then forward it to Hooker for his opinion.