Observations on hive- and humble-bees. Perforating habits differ in different individuals of the same species.

Encloses statement of sales of Origin, Expression, Descent, and Insectivorous plants to 1 Feb 1876.

Has charged against CD’s account half the cost of old plates from Judd for Variation. When will plates for new edition be sent?

Insectivorous plants not selling well because of general depression in business.

Asks that the copy of Nature containing letter from Fritz Müller be forwarded to FM [see 10324].

Has received seeds of Cecropia peltata from Kew.

Has asked Hermann Müller to send copy of FM’s paper as soon as published.

Thanks for plants supplied from Kew.

On structure and function of leaf glands of certain plants.

Murray wishes to settle payments for Descent [2d ed., 11th thousand]. Over 500 copies of the 1000 printed have been sold.

RLT to review 2d ed. of Variation and write an article on Pangenesis.

Discussion of "Survival of the Fittest".

Herbert Spencer invented the term "survival of the fittest". CD used it but found "natural selection" more convenient.

He has often spoken of natural selection’s destruction of individuals which do not come up to "proper standards of structure", which comes to nearly the same thing as RLT’s suggested distinction.

Sends cheque for Descent [2d ed., 1875 issue].

Has sent corrections to printer for Climbing plants

and Origin. Has ordered to print: 1250 copies of Origin,

500 of Climbing plants,

and 1000 of Naturalist’s voyage [Journal of researches].

Is putting together a natural history book for intelligent children [The puzzle of life (1877)]; would like CD’s opinion on the project in general and on the completed first chapter in particular.

Supports AN’s idea [of a natural history book for children].

Sends his autograph.

Comments on paper by HE [see 10328].

Regrowth of an amputated extra thumb.

Sends signed enclosure.

FG will hear of germination of peas in a few days.

Thanks RLT for his letter. CD took much trouble over his two cases [regrowth of amputated supernumerary digits, in Variation] but the evidence was shaky.

Discusses in detail how to prepare for experimental purposes a soil that lacks nutrients.

CD came to believe Drosera drew its nourishment from insects because it grows where no other plants survive. Doubts glands are modified stomata.

Suggests works by Grönland and Trécul.

Sends some cash to help WED with moving expenses.

Thanks for advice concerning preparation of soil for experiments. Will order the salts. Asks about burning soil or washing it with acid.

Thanks for invitation. His son [Francis] would like to inspect JHG’s plots.