Conveys some information on a quiet horse which CD may be able to purchase from a riding school.
Believes he has found a quiet cob suitable for CD. Encloses a letter for CD to sign and send to the owner if he approves the idea.
CD’s goddaughter, Maud, has been christened.
Responds to note about the MS [Descent] with great interest and promises to obey his instructions. [See 7124.]
Compliments Origin.
Sends extract about a waterplant to illustrate CD’s points about the means of dispersal in geographical distribution.
Sends information on the distribution of various species in the U. S.
Asks who the gentleman is who is studying cattle skulls; RS has some that he would like examined.
Is glad to hear that CD is pleased with AN’s notice of his work on pigeons.
He will not soon forget the pleasure of his visit to Down.
Louis Agassiz’s ill health means AG will not get an answer to CD’s query from him. Suggests CD ask Agassiz’s son, Alexander.
Has no details about the origin of the cat-like behaviour of his dog.
About a dog she supposes was suckled by a cat, since it washes its face with its paws.
Draws CD’s attention to a paper by Maurice Girard containing observations on the fertilisation of Orchidaceae by two species of Longicornia [Ann. Soc. Entomol. France 9 (1869): xxxi–xxxii].
Hopes CD is coping with the very hard winter.
Criticises chapter on good effect of crossing in Variation: (1) does not accept that inbreeding alone results in degeneracy; (2) good effects of crossing exaggerated; (3) denies deleterious effects of close marriage in humans.
Sends specimens of Passiflora and seeds for T. H. Farrer [letter enclosed with 7188].
Sends CD some notes on the habits of the "American Blight Bird" in New Zealand.
Notes the differences in haemoglobin between species; this proves, to WP, that natural selection does not act only on morphological development.
Remarks on the differences and similarities in the effects of prussic acid on different groups of animals.
Questions CD on his early education and influences.
Ask whether CD would like to subscribe again to National Education League. Describes the League’s goals.
Moritz Wagner is going to attack selection theory in his new book on his travels in America [Naturwissenschaftliche Reisen im tropischen Amerika (1870)].
K. G. Semper may attack CD’s theory of coral islands.
Forwards part of a note [by Mrs L. Agassiz] asking AG to tell CD that Agassiz has never been able to secure one of the fishes sitting on eggs.
In P.S., AG adds, "Agassiz evidently regrets having abused you in former times."
Suicide is rare among savages [see Descent 1: 94].
