Finished going over his geological specimens at Cambridge, and is now in London.

Describes his plans for writing the journal, and later the geology and zoology of the Beagle voyage.

Asks if WDF has ever crossed wild and common turkeys. Would like to quote his authority [see Variation 1: 292].

Also curious whether WDF has known the so-called japanned peacock to appear from common peacock [Variation 1: 290].

Thanks WDF for interesting letter about turkeys. Would be grateful for information on fertility of the hybrids.

Has finished the Journal; is readying it for the press.

Adds family news including Caroline’s forthcoming marriage to Josiah Wedgwood III.

WDF’s information on turkeys will be useful when CD resumes his half-finished volume [see Variation 1: 292].

Illness in the family.

Would like to go to Cambridge [for BAAS meeting]. Reminisces about his student days.

Pleased that WDF likes his book [Orchids]. At one time CD agreed with Lyell that he was an ass to publish it.

Working on dimorphism and sensibility of other plants.

Writes following his visit to WDF.

Mentions fossils Fox has collected.

News of Albert Way.

Hensleigh Wedgwood has resigned his post because of scruples about taking oaths.

Invites WDF to Down.

His stomach now so bad he cannot stay, even with close relations, for more than half an hour at a time.

Has quoted WDF on crossing white and slate muscovy ducks [Variation 2: 40]. When not crossed, do these breed true?

Will also quote him on Mr Woodd’s white ewes that produced black lambs by a ram with only black spots [Variation 2: 30].

If WDF should hear what ram was put to the ewes, CD would like to add it [see Variation 2: 30].

Will add "cautiously" that WDF believes white and slate muscovy ducks breed true [Variation 2: 40].

Health has been poor but eczema is improved.

A "squib" about Owen and Huxley on the brain has appeared in Public Opinion [3 (1863): 497–8].

Has not been well.

Plans a geological trip to Glen Roy in Scotland.

Thanks WDF for remembering the crossing of animals, CD’s "prime hobby". "I really think some day I shall be able to do something on that most intricate subject species and varieties."

Account of insects he has collected, with figures drawn by sister.

His bad health has caused him to return to Malvern.

Emma cannot find the gravestone of their child, Anne. Asks WDF whether he can remember its location.

Mainly concerned with entomological specimens CD has recently captured. Three figures of beetles are included.

CD on a reading party at Barmouth, Wales;

difficulty with mathematics.

Reports on his entomological collecting.

Accepts invitation to a Music Meeting at Osmaston, Derbyshire.

Entomological news and queries.

Has taken up angling.

The Copley Medal is considered a great honour, but such things make little difference to CD, except for the several kind letters he received. It shows that natural selection is making some progress.

His health is poor.

Work is crawling on Variation;

occasional botany recreative.

Sends some stuffed birds for "Osmaston Museum" and some insects.

Home having cloyed, plans to go to Woodhouse to visit the Owens and the black-eyed houris [Sarah and Fanny] there.

Bad health during last six months has prevented scientific work.

News of family.