Evidence for inheritance of constitutional diseases like scrofula so good that it seems rash to breed tainted animal.

Experiments given in Cross and self-fertilisation show that evil of inbreeding follows from near relations possessing closely similar constitution.

Size and vigour increased by breeding plants and animals from ancestors that lived some generations under different conditions of life.

A curious error – too late to change: in Cross and self-fertilisation CD has "cleistogenous" for "cleistogamous" flowers throughout.

Staying with W. D. Fox on the Isle of Wight. Offers to find Pulmonaria plants.

Thanks for EK’s book [Werden und Vergehen (1876)].

Regrets he cannot write for EK’s journal, but his son, Francis, may do so.

Suggests EK as editor urge on readers [of Kosmos] the investigation of the causes of variability; why, for instance, do wild Pampas cattle change colour when domesticated? Thinks experiments and observations on recently domesticated animals and cultivated plants would throw light on the subject.

Thanks CD for new [2d] edition of Orchids.

Mentions some observations on dimorphic plants.

Reports on a third species of Pontederia [see Forms of flowers, p. 185].

Describes some unusual grasses.

Reports rumours from southern Brazil concerning the existence of a gigantic subterranean animal.

Had found out his error [use of "cleistogenous" for "cleistogamous" in Cross and self-fertilisation] some timeago.

Is now writing on cleistogamic flowers [for Forms of flowers (1877)], and, with it, will have worked up all his old materials on plants. JVC will then have a rest from his labours of translation.

Proposes to construct an aquarium on Jersey and wants to use CD’s name in support of the project.

Thanks for specimens [of insects].

Wonders whether difference between male and female plays part in fertilisation of fig.

Flowers of Oxalis sensitiva, sent long ago, are trimorphic and cleistogamic.

Thanks for the reviews, particularly the one in the Times.

CD will be pleased to receive Mr Wallace.

Regrets he cannot permit his name to be used to support WSK’s aquarium project. If WSK decides to set up an aquarium solely for scientific purposes he would consider subscribing.

Lithospermum longiflorum has cleistogamous flowers and, unlike other species of genus, it is not dimorphic.

Sends autograph as requested.

Is "awfully glad" at LD’s appointment [as an instructor at Chatham].

Thinks LD should start reading chemistry "though reading does not do much".

Reports scientific work of George and Frank Darwin.