CD is too ill to write.
As for natural selection, he is more faithful to PM’s "own original child" than PM is himself. To illustrate, CD relates the metaphor of an architect selecting well-shaped stones and rejecting ill-shaped ones. [See Variation 2: 431.]
CD too ill to write.
Has evidence of long life of seed transported on a partridge’s foot.
Sends a squib by Samuel Butler on the Origin.
Thanks WDF for his letter [on steel traps].
Gives a better report of CD’s health since he gave up water-cure.
CD too unwell to answer JvH’s letter.
He was interested in the "marvellous ground parrot"
and the report on "naturalisation of animals in New Zealand".
Honoured by election to the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury.
CD too ill to write.
Asks that a presentation copy of Origin be sent off.
He has authorised an Italian translation of Origin.
CD sends thanks for pamphlet.
He has been very unwell for three months; it will be long before he can apply himself to his usual pursuits.
CD would be pleased to sit for a bust by Thomas Woolner for JDH, but he is too ill now.
Emma’s views on slavery and the Civil War.
CD too unwell to write but has signed the [unspecified] paper and forwarded it as requested.
CD thinks JS’s Primula paper is fit for publication; he will send it on to the Linnean Society.
John Scott is gratified at Bentham’s proposal that he become an associate of the Linnean Society.
Request for plants.
CD’s continuing ill health.
Request for plant.
Receipt of Oliver’s letter.
Emma prepares JDH for his visit to Wedgwood factory and Barlaston.
CD has been so ill they must discourage visit by WDF. Recovering slowly with new treatment.
Urges WDF to send trap he has invented to the exhibition and competition of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Advertisement of Brailsford’s Patent Vermin Trap enclosed.
CD says Meneanthes is now in flower.
CD much obliged for specimen and drawings.
Writes, for CD, to thank him for his letter and offer to send Unsere Zeit, but will not trouble him to send it.
Sends photograph of CD.
CD sends thanks to Mr Noel for allowing him to see article [sent by Alice Bonham-Carter, see 4722]. CD is pleased at Bernhard von Cotta’s remarks on species; very few of the older distinguished geologists have so favourable a view of his work. He was particularly pleased to read Cotta’s remarks on the azoic formations.
CD and ED bequeath an annuity of £50 to J. Parslow [the Darwins’ butler].
