Invites CD to Kew.

Asks opinion of his proposal to Bartholomew Price to translate and publish C. K. Sprengel [Das entdeckte Geheimniss (1793)] and Hermann Müller [Die Befruchtung der Blumen (1873)] in one volume.

Discusses the structure of grass embryos; states differing theories regarding which part of the seed corresponds to the cotyledon.

Supports Torbitt. Keenly aware of danger of growing crops from a single variety. Torbitt’s paper to Belfast BAAS meeting ["On the potato-disease", Rep. BAAS 44 (1874): 134] was sat upon.

Has written to Farrer in support of Torbitt’s grant.

Resistance of Liberian coffee to "fly" and susceptibility to fungus.

Has been consulting with Mrs Lyell about the possibility of publishing Lyell’s letters. Asks CD’s opinion on the matter.

JDH’s scheme for lowering F.R.S. fees by creating a fund through membership subscription.

JDH details the subscription fund’s finances.

Has finished lecture for Royal Society on N. American plant distribution.

Burdened with Anniversary Address to the Royal Society.

Quips that even Huxley is running out of speeches.

Frank asked to summarise work with CD for use in JDH’s Royal Society address.

Work with A. Gray shows Colorado plants closer to Altai than to E. or W. America.

Work with J. Ball shows Moroccan plants very distinct from nearby Canaries.

JDH on Royal Commission to Paris Exhibition.

Botanical evidence is against F. B. White’s origin of St Helena fauna. JDH holds flora is S. African. Since plants must arrive before insects, if fauna is Palearctic then flora survived glacial period. Flora not Miocene since old and relic orders are absent. Suggests S. African west coastal mountains as insects’ origin.

Congratulates CD on the Anthony Rich bequest.

Sad but relieved to retire as President of the Royal Society.

Describes battle with Treasury over use of an empty house at Kew.