Encloses, for publication, note about Pampas woodpecker, opposing W. H. Hudson [see 7354].

Asks PLS whether he will look over list of names of birds [for Descent] to make sure they are spelled correctly. "I have a most unfortunate weakness … to copy proper names incorrectly".

Thanks PLS for his generous offer to go over the part on birds [in Descent]. Does not think PLS realises that there are more than 200 pages – most of which will have nothing new for him.

W. H. Hudson’s proofs have arrived ["Letters on the ornithology of Buenos Ayres", Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. (1870): 87–9, 158–60, 332–4, 545–50, 671–3, 748–50, 798–82; (1871): 4–7, 258–62, 326–9].

Accepts PLS’s offer to read proofs of [Descent].

W. H. Hudson’s paper is interesting.

Sends two sheets [of Descent] for correction of names of birds. PLS will save him many disgraceful misspellings. Descent now being prepared in five foreign editions.

Is sending by this post three sheets and will send another tomorrow thus almost completing the part on birds. His congratulations and thanks for PLS’s labours with them.

Sending two sheets [of Descent]. About one-and-a-half more will complete PLS’s task.

CD is obliged for PLS’s correction [of Descent proofs]. Will add a caption to the woodcut [of the wart-hog] since it is too late to make a new one.

Is infinitely obliged for a correction. "You men who do only or chiefly original work have an immense advantage over compilers like myself, as you can know what to trust." Wishes he had consulted PLS before using A. E. Brehm’s Thierleben woodcuts [for Descent]. PLS’s assistance has saved him from "endless blunders"; he now feels safe.

Will send F. Du Cane Godman’s book [Natural history of the Azores (1870)] as soon as he returns home.

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

Encloses a memorandum [missing] drawn up by W. H. Flower, Huxley, and himself, defending Charles Wyville Thomson against an attack made upon him.