Has learned that German edition [of Expression] will be on larger pages than English one. No copies of heliotype plates [for Expression] have been delivered. Hopes Heliotype Company is not going to throw them over. Suggests CD write a strong letter.

Heliotype Company assures RC all 8000 sets of the plates [for Expression] will be ready next week.

Is sending Drosera back

and "the curious Kerguelen book".

"Drosera has almost been the death of me."

Hopes the accursed man [Ayrton] does not give JDH any more trouble.

Discusses the coiling of tendrils of climbing plants.

AG’s recent tour of the U. S.

He will send his book [Harvesting ants and trap-door spiders (1873)]. Describes two new types of trap-door spider nests.

Has translated half of Expression; is delighted with it. Comments on some points that he questions.

Is at work on concluding part of his handbook of zoology [Handbuch der Zoologie, 2 vols. (1863–75), with A. Gerstaecker].

Miscellaneous personal matters.

What does CD think of Robert Mallet’s earthquake theory? Would it not account for strata dipping at base of range of mountains?

Expression is now almost ready. The plates will require great care in the binding.

Discusses JTM’s research on habits of insects. "How incomparably more valuable are such researches than the mere description of a thousand species."

Corrects CD’s spelling of the name of a statue: the Arrotino (spelled "Arretino" by CD) [see Expression, p. 184, on grief-muscles].

D. Appleton has been sent 3000 sets of plates [for Expression]. Hopes to publish [Expression] on 12 Nov.

Discusses printing of Expression.

Much experiment and observation needed before spontaneous generation will be empirically advanced, but philosophically the matter is clear.

Thinks Ludwig Rütimeyer has attacked EH to satisfy pious opinion in Basel.

Will soon be finished with his monograph Die Kalkschwämme [1872].

No summary available.

Huxley will be asked to review Expression in Pall Mall Gazette.

WM converted to belief in evolution by experience of museum work.

Describes protective coloration of coots’ eggs.

Wants to make a present to her on the move to a new house.

Suggests possible experiments with Pisum and Lathyrus.

Has read the article CD spoke of; the doctrine of inherited mental and corporeal qualities is most fertile.

Appreciation of the "marriage gift"; their affection for CD.

Asks permission to translate Expression into German. Will superintend an Italian translation.

Informs CD of hornless fossil Bos etruscus and Miocene fossils of genus Sus [see Descent, 2d ed., pp. 505, 521].