Has read Hume with great pleasure, but found parts very stiff reading.

George Darwin has visited Anthony Rich.

Notes advertisement of Tito Vignoli, Fundamentalgesetz der Intelligenz im Thierreiche [1879].

Thanks GdeS for his photograph; sends his own. Glad to hear GdeS’s work [Le monde des plantes (1879)] is popular in France.

Sends the Fritz Müller article from Kosmos.

Thanks for HNM’s [Notes by a naturalist on the "Challenger" (1879)].

H. N. Moseley says [in "Notes on plants collected and observed at the Admiralty Islands", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 15 (1877): 77] pigeons eject seeds in fit state for germination. He regards pigeons as providing most efficient means of transport in Malayan Archipelago.

CD’s collected notes on geographical distribution would make a good book.

Thanks CD for accepting dedication.

Asks CD to support his candidacy for position as Registrar of the University of London by talking to Sir John Lubbock, one of the most influential members of the Senate.

Has lately found frog that has eggs on its back.

Pupae of caddis-flies living on rocks have lost fringe of hairs on their feet. In species that live in the water these are used for swimming.

Respects Leopold Würtenberger’s work. Will initiate inquiry if CD wishes. LW’s work suffers from his limited circumstances. Will assist him if he asks.

Mentions his own forthcoming work ["Zur Kenntniss der Fauna des untersten Lias in den Nordalpen", Abh. K.-K. Geol. Reichsanst. 7 (1874–82), vol. 5].

Suggests references that might answer CD’s [unidentified] request for information about coral islands.

Acknowledges receipt of diploma.

Has told John Lubbock how highly he thinks of HNM’s work, and has heard that HMN’s claims will be fully considered.

Orders a sheet of gold-beater’s skin for plant experiments.

Has offered Leopold Würtenberger money to aid in his work.

F. Galton and others suggest that he go in for Fellowship [of Royal Society]. Asks that CD propose him. If he is unable to do so HWB will not be hurt to wait another year.

Movements in Oxalis.

It will give CD real pleasure to propose HWB for F.R.S. Asks that he send him the necessary information for the certificate as well as a list of men he would like to sign it. He should not be disappointed if not elected first time. [Bates elected F.R.S. 2 June 1881.]

Oxalis seeds incorrectly named. H. N. Moseley says pigeons in Malaya eject seeds fit for germination.

Thanks for CD’s interest in his paper on plant movements ["Über die Ursachen der periodischer Bewegungen der Blumen und Laubblätter", Flora 56 (1873): 433–41, 449–55]. AFB concentrated on clear cases, though he knows there are others.

Experiments on function of movement: Mimosa leaves, held so they cannot move, die.

Comments on EM’s work in Dolomites [Die Dolomit-Riffe von Südtirol (1879)]. Had wondered whether ancient corals formed reefs.

Obliged for EM’s photograph. Sends his own.