Raises two points on CD’s view, in Descent [2: 229], on how aquatic birds acquire white plumage.

Also remarks on effect of will in certain human modifications,

on colour-blindness in his children,

and on ability to move his ears.

Comments on Descent.

Reports a case of protective coloration of bugs on Tilia

and observations on frogs fighting [see Descent, 2d ed., pp. 281, 350].

Encloses drawings of chicken feet.

Has had Hinrich Nitsche’s pointed ear photographed. Nitsche also has photographed the ear of a foetal orang. [See Descent 1: 21–3.]

Gratified that CD approves his analysis of CD’s views of moral sense. Does not think there is a fundamental difference between J. S. Mill (Utilitarianism [1863], p. 45) and CD.

His view of those who object to CD’s "new doctrine of the moral sense".

On Hottentots’ blushing.

Gives case of a baboon’s revenge. [See Descent, 2d ed. (1874), p. 69.]

Man’s spiritual life separates him from other animals.

Why are moths attracted, often fatally, to lights?

Thanks for copy of Descent.

Comments on notes by JC-B on relation between blushing and mental disturbance. Asks for further information about blushing. "The single pencil line down this MS is my mark that I have used it once."

Thanks for "dreadful photo of the imbeciles".

Sends CD photographs of his atavistic ears and ears of a foetal orang in the collection of the Zoological Museum, Leipzig.

Thanks for contribution to fund for his brother’s widow.

Thanks CD for thinking of his speculation.

Has made a note of the paper mentioned by CD.

Movement of hair; action of occipito-frontalis muscle.

Obliged for letter about dog.

Comments on HH’s article ["Zur Geschlechtsbestimmung", Bot. Ztg. 29 (1871): 81–9, 97–109].

Anecdote of bear reasoning [see Descent, 2d ed., p. 76].

Similarity of forms of ornamentation and implements in widely separate races and ages [Descent 1: 233].

"If you feel astonished at my bringing man & brutes so near together in their whole nature (though with a wide hiatus) I feel still more astonished, as I believe, at your judgment on this head. I much wish you had enlarged your concluding sentence a little so as to say whether you consider the ordinary mental faculties so distinct, or whether you confine the enormous difference to spiritual powers including the moral sense.––"

Expressions in attitudes of prayer and adoration.

Replies to CD’s letter;

inquires about CD’s intended terms for Italian translator of Descent; hopes to offer best terms herself.

On ratios of the sexes in insects, and other facts relating to sexual selection.

On reception of Descent in Edinburgh.

Anecdote about a dog helping another by separating combatants.

Please thank Mr Jackson for facts about shrugging, but case not distinct enough. Gestures associated with laughter. Platysma.

Case of the reasoning bear is analogous to the elephant blowing with trunk to bring object within reach.