Thanks for money for further subscription to Index; FEA soon to step down as editor.

On CD’s solid reputation in America among rising men of science.

Is mapping coral distribution on the Tortugas reef. His observations on the Florida peninsula suggest that it was built up from the debris of animal remains and was not elevated.

Discusses the structure and formation of the Florida peninsula. Part played by marine animals in building banks on which coral can thrive.

Has learned of death of Sarah Elizabeth Wedgwood, former proprietor of Tromer Lodge, and writes about his deceased father’s earlier attempts to purchase this property. Requests information on any future transfer of it.

Thanks for CD’s letter, and further discussion of the sale of Tromer Lodge.

Thanks for information about the property in question [Tromer Lodge, see 12842]. His father, Robert Ainslie, had protested a settlement made in an earlier transaction.

Is recuperating well in France.

Thanks for compliments on Evolutionist at large.

Reports on his improving health.

Thanks for copy of Origin with its flattering inscription.

Hopes some day to have leisure to do original research.

CD and other friends who got up fund for GA in 1879 have now bought him a microscope; thanks CD, especially as the idea came from him; plans to take up original observations with it.

Asks for autographs.

Reminds CD of three cards JLA sent in February for CD to sign and date and write his good wishes on.

Offers his services to CD as an observer in the Azores. Has studied the local natural history and is a great disciple of CD’s.

Many thanks for CD’s advice and suggestions. His letter is a great source of encouragement.

Has been collecting on the mountain summits and wants someone with whom to communicate about plants.

Thanks CD for sending Wallace’s book [see 13313]

and for writing to Hooker about FdeAF’s plants. Has written to Hooker to tell him of the plants he is sending and discuss the subject of the cypress trunks.

Thanks CD for his detailed instructions for suggested experiments.

Reports having found orthopteran egg-cases, affixed to a chalk statuette, that had themselves been coated with chalk, without doubt by the insect that deposited them.

The statues on which the egg-cases were found were perfectly clean and had never been painted.

Reports on fossilised leaf-prints he has found on the island. Found no seeds or land shells at the site.

An enclosure for CD has arrived from the Academy of Sciences in Vienna: please can CD send a postal order for 4s.

Mentions CD’s approval of earlier articles on CD’s works, and requests approval and permission to dedicate to CD a second work on CD’s thought for the International Library of Science and Free-thought.