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

Congratulates CD on son’s [George’s] distinction [Second Wrangler] at Cambridge.

Writes about difficulties in which S. J. O. Horsman, curate at Down, has involved himself and others. Horsman has said he would resign. JBI offers to give up his interests in the living at Down.

Further discussion of the difficulties with S. J. O’H. Horsman [curate at Down].

JBI has been charmed with Variation. Does not think there is really any theological difficulty in the "predestination of variation".

The election of 1868.

Remarkable deflection of the plummet observed east of Forres.

Full background on the difficulties of the vicarage of Down.

Describes a supposed cross between a cow and a red deer or doe.

Will try to get more information about the supposed hybrid [of cow and deer].

The rumours about John Robinson [curate of Down] cause JBI concern. He will seek to get the facts – will try to protect Robinson against malicious rumours, but if he is immoral he must go forthwith.

Hopes Miss [Sarah Elizabeth] Wedgwood will sell part of her land for a parsonage at Down. Recounts his futile efforts to obtain land in the past.

Encloses news item about the supposed hybrid [of cow and deer].

Has forwarded a veterinary surgeon’s description of the supposed hybrid [of cow and deer, see 6504]. A neighbour who has seen it is convinced it is genuine.

JBI can do no more about John Robinson.