CD exasperated by Dallas’ delay in finishing index [for Variation]. "I am prepared to throw the Index overboard."

Thinks JM should reconsider publishing a translation of Brehm’s Thierleben. It is excellent and would "sell largely".

Thanks for papers.

Discusses case of the Asturian plants and HH’s view of their introduction through the agency of man. Although botanists question whether plants are thus introduced, those working closely on insular floras are admitting this view more and more.

CD’s anxiety about the index [of Variation] will be relieved somewhat when he learns it has at last been set up.

Sends an article ["Des lumières que la géologie peut jeter sur … l’histoire ancienne des Athéniens"] extracted from his work [Animaux fossiles et géologie de l’Attique (1862–7)]. CD’s letters have been an encouragement.

Hopes the belief in transformation will gradually be accepted. For himself the idea in no way undermines his idea of spirituality and his respect for human dignity.

Hopes to continue his work on the genealogical relationship (enchaînement) of fossils.

Variations in the ocelli of Lepidoptera.

Encloses six pages from his catalogue of S. African butterflies [Rhopalocera Africae australis, 2 pts (1862, 1866)].

CD was frustrated by the delay [in producing index for Variation], but was quite mollified by WSD’s note; is sorry the work turned out so badly for him.

Has read sheets of Variation up to Pangenesis.

Thanks CD for cheque for £5.5.0 supplementing fee from J. Murray’s. Will return it if Murray provides an additional amount. Is glad CD is so well pleased. Sends notes for errata.

Sends a pamphlet by W. R. Greg [Malthus: re-examined by the light of physiology (1868)].

Many Cucurbitaceae have smaller male than female flowers.

Has written to H. C. Watson on the counterbalance [to variation] of crossing and uniform conditions. Watson has forgotten the argument.

Has written to F. Müller on abnormal Solanum.

Does not understand Hildebrand on potatoes.

Sends school subscription to CD as treasurer. Hopes Henrietta will assist in teaching there.

Thanks RT for drawings of ocelli, especially for the description of ocelli of S. African Saturniidae. Would like to know of any cases in which the ocelli are confined to the male, to illustrate better the case of the peacock.

CD thanks JBI for contribution to Down school.

George [Darwin] has passed his examination at Cambridge;

Henrietta has been poorly.

Thanks AG for his essay on geology and Athenian history [see 5784].

Comments on French rejection of evolution. "How strange that the country of Buffon, Geoffroy and especially Lamarck should now cling to species as immutable creations."

Variation will soon appear in French.

Table of numbers of trout taken for ova; includes males counted. [See Descent 1: 308].

Thanks for information on expression.

Poor progress of civilisation in South Africa. CD’s doubts and fears about democracy.

JPMW’s views on glaciation in S. Africa will discredit him unless supported by clearest evidence.

CD made a knight of the Royal Orders.

Congratulations on GHD’s brilliant tripos success.

Congratulations on success of CD’s son [George].

Expresses her pleasure at seeing George Darwin’s name as Second Wrangler.

FG’s congratulations [on publication of Variation] have given CD pleasure.

Trusts that FG is well again.