Congratulations [on election to Parliament]; hopes science will not suffer because of politics.

Previously wrote inquiring about savages and suicide, but JL need not hurry to answer.

Suicide is rare among savages [see Descent 1: 94].

The Census Bill is down on the paper for tomorrow; will CD restate how he wants to put the question [on cousin marriages]?

CD would like questions on consanguineous marriages inserted in the Census to ascertain effects, if any, on fertility.

Brought forward the "cousin question" in the House; read most of CD’s letter to the House.

Some good men spoke for CD’s amendment, but in vain.

All the inhabitants of Down hope JL will endeavour to induce the Post Office to improve the telegraph service.

Comments on Descent [2: 358–60] especially on CD’s view that behaviour of lower animals is evidence against JL’s interpretation [of aboriginal promiscuity]. View on communal marriage.

CD’s comments on proofs of JL’s book [Monograph of the Collembola and Thysanura (1873)].

Praises and comments on JL’s essay on insects ["Origin of insects", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. 11 (1873): 422–5].

Discusses problems of obtaining money for the alteration of Down church.

CD wishes to acquire a piece of JL’s land.

The land CD wants to buy probably belongs to his marriage-settlement and would thus be difficult to sell.

Is willing to sell the land CD wants for £300.

Thanks for JL’s willingness to sell land.

Circular requesting recipients to sign an enclosed [missing] statement [relating to appeal for Naples Zoological Station] if they approve of it.

JL’s two articles in Nature ["Common wild flowers", 10 (1874): 402–6, 422–6].

Cautions against C. K. Sprengel’s notion of bees’ being deceived by nectarless nectary.

Colour of calyces.

Expresses concern about the "coolness" between CD and [G. S.] Ffinden in regard to the Infant School.

Writes regarding local difficulties concerning Down School and the setting up of a reading-room; his strained relationship with G. S. ffinden following some misunderstanding.

Arrangements to invite the Duke [unidentified].