Responds to CD’s inquiries about rattlesnake.
Responds to CD’s inquiries about rattlesnake.
Physiological changes in Shetland ponies and seagulls resulting from change in diet.
Reports on the discovery of eyeless beetles in cellar [i.e., not caves]. How did they get there, and whence?
Identifies two dipterous species of parasites [chalcidites].
Was not able to attend to the aphids last year, but will make use of CD’s suggestions and "study as much as I can the inquiry as to species".
Discusses the colouring of the young of various breeds of rabbit.
Observations on results of various poultry crosses and on a character which is linked to sex.
Will be pleased to review Asa Gray’s pamphlet [see 3068].
Is not surprised that blind cave insects are sometimes found in other dark places.
Reports on the habits of the cutting ant of Texas, particularly its habit of planting shade trees to protect its mound from sun.
Asks for a testimonial for Edward Newman.
Discusses the Origin, considers natural selection works well when applied to the evolution of nations and groups of men; on the other hand feels the classification of mineral elements is a damaging analogy as it parallels organic classification but could not be derived by any evolutionary means.
Sends his paper ["Insect fauna of the Amazon valley", Trans. R. Entomol. Soc. Lond. 2d ser. 5 (1861): 223–8, 335–61].
Points out three areas of interest arising from the study of the species of Papilio: the derivation of the fauna, the variability of the species, and the permanence of local varieties.
Discusses J. S. Baly’s views on specific differences in reproductive organs [Catalogue of the Hispidae in the collection of the British Museum (1858)].
Discusses specific varieties, especially geographic varieties.
Comments on the effects of the glacial age on the tropics.
Sexual selection.
A bee’s sting always remains behind.
The stinging of bees and wasps contrasted.
Index of Origin does not refer to variability of rudimentary organs mentioned at pp. 149, 168. Offers references to Rudolf Leuckart and to Franz von Leydig to support CD’s point.
Corrects CD’s statement [Origin, 3d ed.] that Madeira does not possess one peculiar bird. There is one, out of the 99.
Sends three tables on the known geological distribution of genera and subgenera of Brachiopoda. Has been continually puzzled by intermediate forms, and is convinced that the greater number of species can be linked together. "Natura non facit saltum."
Sends some replies to CD’s queries and data on pigeon flights between Bordeaux and Verviers.
Encloses amended note of £372 for third edition of Origin. Provides details of the calculation of profits.
[Letter printed in REG, Tabular view of the primary divisions of the animal kingdom.] Dedicates his book to CD in testimony of his admiration of CD’s successful attempt to throw light on "the mystery of mysteries of organic nature".
[Queries in CD’s hand answered on same pages by WBT.] Sexual selection of fowls; role of beauty in cocks.
Sexual behaviour of fowls.
Describes her compassion for all his sufferings and writes of her wish that his gratitude could be offered to heaven as well as to herself. To her, the only relief is to try to believe that suffering and illness are from God’s hand "to help us to exalt our minds & to look forward with hope to a future state".