Interested in TMR’s investigation of drift. Narrative 1: 545–6 contains catalogue of shells collected. Much struck by marine productions of Tierra del Fuego.
Asks JL to send ten shillings for the Down Friendly Club.
Has just read JL’s paper on bees and wasps [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Zool.) 12 (1876): 110–39]. Is astonished by their stupidity. The experiments on colour are especially good. Suggests JL examine their retinas; sends enclosure [missing] on eyes of reptiles and birds.
Comments on TMR’s essay ["Geological time"].
It is monstrous that P. G. Tait should say that earth is less than ten million years old.
CD is occupied with vegetable physiology.
Prefers to read MS when published.
Doubtful that great heat would favour development of lower organisms.
It is important that notion of "small antiquity" of the earth be upset.
Obliged for paper ["Oceans and continents" (1880)].
Agrees that John Murray’s view [of coral reefs] is far-fetched.
Comments on TMR’s "Oceanic islands" [Geol. Mag. 8 (1881): 75–7]. Fact that oceanic islands are all volcanic argues for view that no continent ever occupied the oceans. Chalk seemed best evidence of ocean having existed where continent now stands. CD leans to view that continents have occupied present positions since Cambrian.
"Roots often run down worm burrows, but can penetrate the ground without such aid."
No summary available.
TMR’s address ["Geological time" (Presidential Address, 1876), Proc. Liverpool Geol. Soc. 3 (1878): 211–35] not yet published. Will send copy.
Recommends letters by William Topley in Geological Magazine. WT discusses past distribution of oceans and continents.