Sends some questions raised by THF’s notes on earthworms at Abinger; he plans to use them in his book.

Glad GK will come. But cannot talk long to anyone.

Insists that EK take the profits from the English edition of Erasmus Darwin. EK’s essay is the valuable part of the book; CD’s is mainly gossip.

Questions the exact location of rooms and trenches at Abinger excavation [for Earthworms].

Asks her to look for worm-castings in heath. Thinks heath conditions may be unfavourable. CD is sure Lucy would look with her, from her well-known affection for worms. Asks what sort of lantern Lucy used.

Discusses how fruits of lime-trees arranged themselves in a ripple-like way on a flooded walk.

Thanks THF for notes on Abinger excavation. Asks for more castings.

Thanks for the bananas.

Acknowledges receipt of R-LM’s book on parasitic worms. [Perhaps Essai monographique sur les cysticerques (1880) in vol. 3 of the Travaux of the Institut Zoologique de Lille.]

Publication of EA’s remarks on CD’s writings requires no consent on CD’s part. CD would prefer that no part or volume be dedicated to him as it would imply his general approval of the publication, of which he knows nothing. Though he is a strong advocate of free-thought CD feels that direct attacks on Christianity and theism produce hardly any effect. Freedom of thought is best promoted by gradual illumination of men’s minds produced by advance of science. Has therefore avoided writing on religion though "I may have been unduly biassed by the pain which it would give members of my family, if I aided in any way direct attacks on religion".

THF’s copybook has cleared up all points. The castings are invaluable. Encloses further queries [missing].

Is worried about brick particles in worm-castings. Asks THF for castings from a site where possible error would be avoided.

Questions BP & Co. on notices requesting the payment of rent charges.

C. Reinwald wishes to publish a French translation [of Movement in plants] but is doubtful on account of cost. CD wants to supply him with stereotypes of the 195 cuts at prime cost.

CD promised Reinwald the clichés [for Movement in plants] at cost, so he is to be charged £10. Eduard Koch should be charged £25, since CD’s books sell well in Germany – but Koch must not know the French have them for £10.

Has started experiment to see whether particles of stone become rounded in the gizzards of worms.

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 correspondent and H. J. Schaaffhausen for interesting photographs of fine footprints.

Answers correspondent’s questions on his birth date and when he began work on origin of species.

Comments on STP’s article on women ["Evolution and female education", Nature 22 (1880): 485–6].