Mentions a note in Notes and Queries [3d ser. 10 (1866): 343–4] which refers to A sketch of the life and works of Erasmus Darwin.

Requests water-lily pods to count, weigh, and to germinate some of the seeds of the crossed and uncrossed pods.

Hopes Haeckel did not bore him.

Sends his observations on sterility of Eschscholzia,

on Oxalis,

and on recently found dimorphic plants.

Sends specimen of Hedyotis [see Forms of flowers, p. 133].

Asks whether CD will add his name to a list supporting them in the "[Edward John] Eyre prosecution matter".

Left strict orders about Euryale seeds but "labour, difficulty and expense of getting anything done scientifically by practical men is untold".

The E. J. Eyre controversy [Jamaica uprising]. Odd that Huxley joins the "persecution fund". The principles involved are fiddlesticks.

Has examined TL’s crossed peas. Observes that in several lots crossed peas are smooth, like paternal stock, not wrinkled like maternal stock. Is this a result of mere variation, peculiar culture, or pollen of the father?

Encloses queries [missing].

Intends planting peas at once if TL approves.

Recalls happy days JH spent with MW's relatives. MW is now 76 and in good health, but experiencing financial difficulties. Will JH help her? Reports news of her brothers, Alexander and Patrick.

Worried by not having heard from son John, especially as there is cholera in India; JH sends news of the family, especially of how bright the younger girls are; also comments on world events and about books sent to John.

Wants to publish his observation on colour changes in Matthiola seeds.

Has been crossing cotton.

Approves of C. V. Naudin and Max Wichura.

Arranges for distribution of new [4th] English edition of Origin in the U. S.

Sends four sheets of his Memoir of Thomas Drummond and would be pleased if JH would look over them and correct any errors. Miss Elizabeth Drummond continues an invalid. Is also sending the proof sheets to Sir T. A. Larcom.

Regarding his observations. Sending a copy of his original observations. Regarding the new variable star [T Coronae].

JVC has been asked by Schweizerbart [CD’s German publisher] to revise H. G. Bronn’s translation of Origin, and he will be pleased to try to do it.

Asks CD’s advice on what to do about Bronn’s notes and concluding chapter, with which JVC disagrees. Would CD agree to omission?

Thanks CD for copy of the Origin [4th ed.]; makes some observations on beauty and ugliness in nature.

Tells WED of a change in his will.

At CD’s request he is looking into the gardeners’ custom of separating all sweetpea varieties in order to obtain pure seed.

Expresses gratification that JVC is to undertake new translation and revision of German edition of the Origin.

Has heard many complaints about Bronn’s translation. JVC would be justified in omitting Bronn’s appendix.

Suggests additions and changes, including reference to C. W. v. Nägeli’s Entstehung und Begriff [1865], though he disagrees with it.

Has made will. Discusses financial arrangements and asks whether CD would like a mortgage.

Sends his book [Histoire naturelle des annelés marins et d’eau douce, 2 vols. (1865)].

Thanks for 4th ed. of Origin.

What a basting CD gives "our mutual friend" [Owen].

Glad he argrees with THH on Jamaica affair [Gov. Eyre and the "rebellion"].