Asks for return of page about pigeon crossing.

Asks for WBT’s help in arranging for woodcuts to illustrate pigeon chapters of Variation.

Is pleased to hear of Dr Heine’s interest in Origin. Questions whether Dr Heine’s law of inheritance can be demonstrated.

Thanks for Thomson’s and JDH’s views on Scott’s paper. Will send it back with advice and explanations.

Has heard from Mr Pennell, and written to say too ill to see him. Would like to hear about skin between toes of otter hounds in comparison with other hounds.

Interested by HD’s information on aperea; CD had concluded that it was not the progenitor of domestic guinea-pigs.

Is unsure what HD means by "stock-dove"; properly this is Columba oenas and the domestic pigeon is C. livia.

Suggests that the Zoological Society might arrange for some specimens [unspecified] to be supplied from the Gardens.

Mentions Miss Buckley’s information on roosting in trees [see Variation 1: 181 n.].

Refers to Duke [of Argyll] and his Lamarckian view of change.

Roosting habits and behaviour of pigeons in Egypt.

Criticises Herbert Spencer’s works.

Has finished Elements; comments on Laurentian stages.

Remarks on his health

and forthcoming work [Variation].

Thanks for fact about the buffalo diving.

Asks whether the animal was a Bos or a Bubalus.

Comments on BDW’s papers ["On certain entomological speculations of the New England school of naturalists", Proc. Entomol. Soc. Philadelphia 3 (1864): 207–49; "On insects inhabiting the galls of certain species of willow", ibid. 3 (1864): 543–644]; much is new to CD.

Asks about wide-ranging insect genera,

Rocky Mt. wingless insects,

willow hybrids,

galls,

and other subjects.

Arrangements for woodcuts for Variation.

WBT’s excellent article on crossing.

Has made progress [on Variation]. Hopes it will go to press in the autumn. Lists his needs for cuts to be made – altogether 50.

Supposes Origin has ceased selling. Would be sorry to have labour of another edition. A new French edition is wanted.