Congratulates correspondent on appointment to important post.

Leaving tomorrow for visit [with William Darwin].

Gives a referee’s report on Samuel Haughton’s paper ["Notes on physical geology, no. IV", read 4 Apr 1878; published as "Physical geology", Nature 18 (1878): 266–8]. Believes his estimate of geological time is extremely wild. The conclusion that the interval of time separating the Miocene from the present is greater than that between the commencement of the Secondary period and the Miocene "seems almost monstrous". Recommends the paper not be published in the Proceedings.

Has not studied Geum, but suppression of one sex is not rare in plants.

Thanks for specimen.

Always was sceptical of James Buckman’s experiment; heard afterwards that cruel trick was played on him.

Glad ASW is willing to look into Russian wheat case.

Has received Ledum with its captured flies.

"At present I care for nothing in this wide world except the biology of seedling plants."

Doubts Ledum warrants investigation. Glands probably serve only to protect the flowers against crawling insects, which would not cross-fertilise them.

CD believes few or none have attributed deaf-mutism to consanguineous marriages.

CD wants some plants; asks Lynch to raise some Cactaceae for him. Observations on sensitivity and movements of radicle.

Julius von Sachs will "swear & curse" when he finds out he has missed sensitiveness of root apex. Has been putting his notes together and the case is conclusive. [Dated "Saturday 10th" by CD.]

Invites GJR to visit on the 18th.

Has had conflicting information on the movement of radicles; wants FD to experiment with them.

Criticises article by TM. "Such a manner of treating the work of other observers did not appear to me the way to encourage truth."

Blood-red onions enclosed.

GJR to come whenever convenient.

Heliotropism. Requires some plants for experiments.

Encloses Fritz Müller letter, which may be of interest [see 11463].

Has forwarded FM’s letter to Raphael Meldola.

Thanks for information on Mimosa.

Would like to know how Cassia behaves in the rain.

Will use TW’s case of gynodioecious Ranunculus if he prints a new edition of Forms of flowers.

Requesting permission to present a declaration against war to the Foreign secretary.

Glad to see TWH for Sunday dinner.

Germination of Cactaceae; CD wants seeds. Site of action of growth-stimuli.