CD has forgotten about S. J. O. Horsman and the church organ and asks for any information that will help him inform his solicitors in connection with a document he has received and encloses. Will not apologise for what he said, but is ignorant of what it was.
CD’s anxiety about being examined in court if Horsman [former curate at Down] brings suit. He doubts it will happen, but if so will defend himself to utmost.
Has pleasant recollections of his relations with JBI.
CD’s health has been poor.
Appreciates JBI’s letter and his expression of friendship.
In the opinion of a Q.C., Horsman has no case.
Not surprised that JBI does not agree with him. Many professed naturalists do not. But there has been a great change since publication of Origin, and CD believes agreement on man will come soon, "as far as his corporeal frame is concerned".
Horsman has not been heard from.
Kind to send seeds of Aquilegia Brodii. Gives news on her sons. Glad of recent rain to help the hay.
Parish and family news.
Francis Darwin’s marriage; Francis serves as CD’s assistant.
On colour changes in rabbits. Suspects JBI’s is of impure origin.
Is correcting proof of Insectivorous plants.
News of the parish and neighbours.
CD pleased JBI is interested in his book [Cross and self-fertilisation].
He is pretty well and hard at work with Francis.
Sends forms to be signed so that the trustees of the Down Friendly Society may be properly registered.
CD has harangued the Down Friendly Club. Does not think it will dissolve.
CD’s opinion of a specimen sent by JBI from an unknown tree, and the Ross-shire tale about it.
CD disappointed in Pusey’s sermon against evolution [Un-science, not science, adverse to faith (1878), sermon read by H. P. Liddon at St Mary’s, Oxford, on 3 Nov 1878]. Does not agree that religion and science can be kept as distant as Pusey desires. Geology and biology must deal with history of earth and of man. But that is no reason for bitter hostility.