Encloses notes [missing] that he has made for CD on looking through his dried skins of American Anatidae.

Doubts whether an experiment to test the durability of human bones would be worth while. Absence of such bones in post-glacial river-bed deposits does not weigh in the least on CD.

Thanks CD for copies of the pamphlet [Darwinism (1871)].

His memoir on phyllotaxy [Mem. Am. Acad. Arts & Sci. n.s. 9 (1867–73): 379–415] will soon be printed.

Has met CD’s sons.

On structure and function of the cetacean larynx.

Has seen CD’s sons.

CD appreciates the great trouble OS has taken in providing a bundle of observations. [See 8001.] They are useful and will save CD from at least one blunder.

The structure of the beak of the shoveller "filled me with admiration".

Sends photograph of himself for a proposed memoir in correspondent’s Review.

CD has omitted in all his works one of the most interesting causes of variation, domestic or wild – i.e., frightening of a pregnant animal; quotes case of eight-footed horse from a French translation of G. S. W. von Adler.

First six chapters [of Origin, 6th ed.] sent to printer.

Will strike out passage on larynx in cetaceans from his MS [of Origin, 6th ed.].

Is glad his notes on ducks are useful; would like them back when CD has finished with them as they might help him to put the South American Anatidae in order.

Asks for information on feeding habits of Egyptian goose.

Thanks RFA for extracts.

Does not believe resemblances can be produced as RFA suggests, but would not deny that a strong mental shock may cause arrest of embryonic development and thus give rise to monstrosities.

Replies on how Egyptian geese feed in the water; they do not move heads laterally like ducks sifting water; they tear herbage like common geese.

Returns CD’s MS [for Origin 6th ed.] on the defensive organs of the Polyzoa, with his comments.

Cannot accept JJW’s invitation to a party. His health has been worse than usual for some months – can see no one nor can he go anywhere.

Is preparing a cheap edition of the Origin [6th] and will answer Mivart’s objections.

CD is pleased JJW likes C. Wright’s "Darwinism" [see 7940]. Huxley will publish a splendid review of it in Contemporary Review [Nov 1871].

Thanks for note received.

On visit to Boston was told by N. S. Shaler how habits of rattlesnake are consistent with natural selection. Informs CD, as rattlesnake is considered by some a difficult case for his theory.

Sends two papers ["On the physical relations of the new red marl", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 27 (1871): 189–98 and "On the red rocks of England", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 27 (1871): 241–54] bearing on the continuance of generic and specific terrestrial types, in areas of Europe and elsewhere, that lasted from the Upper Silurian to the Lias.

Comments on lamellae in Prion. Offers to send specimen for CD to examine.