Thanks CD for his orchid paper ["Fertilization of orchids", Collected papers 2: 138–56]. Comments briefly on orchids.
Discusses moths in which the wing underside is the most brightly coloured, and relates his observations on sexual selection by a moth, Syntomis.
Glad to know about C.B.
Thinks better of Nature than JDH does.
Likes Academy.
Is reading Anton Kerner on Tubocytisus [in Die Abhängigkeit der Pflanzen von Klima und Boden (1869)].
The genealogical tree reveals the very steps of the formation of the species.
Mlle Royer has brought out a third edition of her translation of the Origin without informing CD, so corrections to fourth and fifth English editions are lost. Has arranged for a new translator of the fifth English edition.
Encloses a few additions [missing] for new [4th] German edition of Origin
and a new application to publish translation of [Descent].
Thanks GC for his assistance. "The data for all that I have to say about the Scotch deer-hound are, owing to you, almost sufficient; and much better data than I have got in many other cases." [See Descent 2: 260.]
Believes Dr Stirling would be compelled to admit some change in "the famous protoplasm in our domestic races, both in regard to the structure of the body & qualities of the mind".
Glad Dareste is candidate for Paris Chair. No subject more important than modification of structure by direct action of changed conditions, and Dareste has thrown much light on subject. Believes monstrosities cannot be separated from slighter variations.
Sends corrections of JJM’s translation of Origin. Sends preface.
Has corresponded with Macmillan about Nature.
Will get the Kerner book.
Mere guesses must determine which form to fix on as the type.
Raises questions about the genealogical tree.
Serves Mlle Royer right.
Lyell declines Royal Society Presidency; now look to W. R. Grove. Long postscript on JDH’s views about knighthood.
No such fast has been proclaimed. Sends two extracts from the Times.
Observations on fertilisation of Lapageria rosea by E. G. Henderson, florist of St John’s Wood.
Appleton & Co. wish to be supplied with set of stereotype plates of CD’s new book [Descent] for American market; will pay for cost of plates, and 10% of sales to CD.
Also desire plates for new edition of the Origin.
No summary available.
Has heard that CD thinks GB is wrong on some points in his [Presidential] Address [to Linnean Society, see 6793]. Asks CD to point out where he is wrong.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Regrets that JH has not received annual volume of astronomical observations for 1865, sent months ago. Is sending another.
Sends title of Kerner’s book [see 6997] and comments that AK does not give the one parent form of the genus.
No summary available.
CD long anxious for new American edition of Origin to incorporate corrections since 2d ed. [of 1860]; believes such updating has kept English and continental sales high. If Appleton unable to comply, he will ask Asa Gray to find another publisher.
Mentions possible arrangements for U. S. edition of new book [Descent].
Wants to arrange a joint photograph of CD and Wallace for a publication on their lives and works.
Comments on the mathematical ratios in chords at some length, in answer to RP's 1869-11-18.