HHJ’s paper ["On the distorted skulls found at Wroxeter (Salop)", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 12 (1862–3): 149–50].

He has been approached about becoming F.R.S., but would like to know how expensive it would be.

Requests a photograph.

Doubts he has a chance of being elected F.R.S. because he is 58.

Will send a skull.

Congratulations on George Darwin’s success at Cambridge

and CD’s world-wide reputation.

Condolence on death of HJ’s daughter; "I know from old experience how bitter a loss it is".

Thanks for information about intelligence of dog.

Is unable to accept invitation to Shrewsbury. Is grateful for offer of assistance at Wroxeter.

The weight of dry earth cast up by worms is 161/10 tons per acre annually.

Sends a map of a field showing the effect of earthworms.

Thanks for notes on worm-castings. Amount of ammonia surprises CD. David Forbes asserts that published analysis of carbon in vegetable matter valueless. Suspects that worms search for food and do not blindly swallow earth.

Requests autograph for a friend.

Has retired to Ludlow because of angina pectoris.

He and his daughter, Mary, were present in the cave near Tenby when George Rolleston found so many antediluvial bones.

Sends the requested signature,

with sympathy for HHJ’s state of health [see 12236].

Reports that HJ’s experiments on tension of parts are often quoted in German works and periodicals.

Thanks CD for his autograph.

Thanks for enclosures.

Remembers Edward Vivian.

Glad to hear of flint tools.

Thanks for information on the slope of ground at Worcester.

CD’s passion now is worms.

Sends Movement in plants. While correcting proof, CD remembered an old article by HHJ, which he regrets not including.

Is obliged for the clear answers to his queries.

Regrets that his health will not permit a visit to Wroxeter.

Will sign his name on next page, but "what geese people are about autographs".

Article in Shrewsbury newspaper makes him worry about CD’s health.

The report that CD is seriously ill is false, but the kind letters that it produced have done a good turn. [See 12943.]

Thanks for Earthworms.