Krause altered the MS [of his essay on Erasmus Darwin] considerably before sending it to be translated. This is a common practice, but CD now regrets he did not state in his preface that the article had been modified. The translation had been arranged before SB’s book [Evolution, old and new] was announced.

Admiration of ARW’s ["The origin of species and genera", Nineteenth Century (Jan 1880)]. Good use of Allen’s "admirable researches".

Disappointment about the Epping Forest appointment.

Farrer’s article in Fortnightly Review.

"I am much obliged for your note. I have heard of the other analogous cases, but there remains a doubt whether they may not be accidental coincidences, for such cases certainly occur in non-Jewish families.––"

Ordering a copy of a book for his research on vegetable mould [presumably Werner Hoffmeister 1845 (Die bis jetzt bekannten Arten aus der Familie der Regenwürmer: als Grundlage zu einer Monographie dieser Familie.].

Discusses animals’ ability to learn to recognise danger, especially poisonous herbs.

High praise for Island life; ARW’s "best book". Encloses notes of comments and criticism. Hooker pleased by dedication.

Will not be able to attend the proposed conference and feels no benefit will arise from it.

Believes the conference will be of no value because individuals can only decide for themselves on the truths of science and religion.

On land migration of plants. The case in Nature is striking but CD doubts that seeds of plants could be blown from mountains of Abyssinia to mountains of Madagascar.

Memorial for Wallace pension dispatched to W. E. Gladstone.

CD expresses his great pleasure at WEG’s letter informing him that Wallace has been granted a pension.

Informs ARW of favourable reception by Gladstone of memorial respecting ARW’s services to science, and the establishment of a pension for him.

On the proprieties of thanking Gladstone and the signers of the memorial.

CD interested by FM’s facts on movement of plants; has sent some to Nature ["Movement of leaves", Collected papers 2: 228–9]. Greatly admires FM’s work. Suggests an experiment to investigate movement in Phyllanthus.

FM’s view on meaning of two-coloured stamens in many flowers; CD has been looking through his old notes on dimorphism for supporting evidence. Intends to send extract of FM’s letter to Nature or to Linnean Society.

Thanks EBT for gift of Anthropology [1881].

Earthworm book with printer.

Has sent FM’s observations on paraheliotropism to Nature ["Movement of leaves", Collected papers 2: 228–9].

Plants with differently coloured anthers.

Intends gathering together his notes on "bloom".

Suggests that the pappus of Compositae, when lying on ground, may absorb water which may function in seed germination.

CD declines an invitation to be a trustee [of British Museum] because his strength is insufficient to permit regular attendance at meetings.

Wants seeds of heterostyled plants to test fertility of illegitimate seedlings.

Offers £100 to FM to replace books lost in flooding.