Suggests a reference to Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 1 Dec 1873, p. 497, when THF takes up Coronilla.

Thanks THF for information from Colonial Office on population statistics showing the inhabitants of some areas are far from becoming sterile.

Observations on Coronilla.

Delighted to hear about Coronilla. Urges publication ["Fertilisation of papilionaceous flowers– Coronilla", Nature 10 (1874): 169–70].

Has read THF’s article on Coronilla [see 9400] – "a very curious case"; is troubled by C. emerus.

Hooker is greatly overworked at Kew and is trying to get the Government to provide some help. CD hopes THF will take an interest in the matter and forwards a copy of JDH’s application for an assistant.

Payne will send vine cuttings.

Thomas Belt has been visiting; they are to meet Huxley.

He is moved by denudation of the Weald.

Asks CD’s opinion of an experiment on Drosera.

Describes difficulty of conditions for the experiment with Drosera suggested by THF.

Questions CD on sale of his books in America by Appleton and other publishers; copyright and translation rights.

Much pleased with CD’s book [Cross and self-fertilisation]. Is struck by width and caution of his generalisations and by the application of experiment to processes of life hitherto merely observed.

THF is seeking advice regarding the selection of an entomologist to carry out some duties [apparently pest destruction].

Counted 40 worm-holes after rain; four or five in the wall.

CD is delighted with report from THF about activity of worms in Roman-British ruins at Abinger.

Sends two papers on Roman ruins at Cirencester, which he asks CD to return.

Worm observations.

Sends "worm journal" – observations of earthworm activity at Abinger.

Thanks THF for the diary of worm activity at Abinger site.

Hive-bees captured in tubes of nectary of Tritoma. Seems a maladaptation of the bees.

THF would do a good deal if he gets Agricultural Society to rear cross-fertilised seeds. Society excellent channel for distribution of fungus-proof variety [of potato]. If James Torbitt will carry on work another year, CD will offer him £100.

CD’s quest for Government support for potato experiments by James Torbitt.