His routine days at Cambridge.
Entomology stopped for the present.
His reading, gambling, and parties. News of Cambridge friends.
Is working on "Sexual selection"; asks WDF to send observations on birds’ finding new mates during breeding season [see Descent 2: 103–7].
Eager to hear how WDF and his family get on.
Entomology goes poorly. Harbour has given C. C. Babington first pick of the beetles, and CD has stopped buying from him.
Fire at Linton.
Consents to be godfather to WDF’s child.
Sends family news.
Sends news of his house-hunting.
Envies WDF his discovery of Cheirotherium footprints.
Has been in "a perfect and absolute state of idleness", riding and walking in the morning, gambling at Van John [vingt-et-un] in the evening.
"Little Go" has been unusually strict.
WDF’s letter gives CD the kind of facts he wants. His story about peacocks is so good that CD will quote it [Descent 2: 46].
Pleased WDF approves of his book [Variation]
– "beloved Pangenesis disagrees badly with many".
CD writes with much sympathy for WDF, whose sister [Mrs Bristowe] is alarmingly ill.
Letter of condolence on the death of WDF’s wife [Harriet Fletcher Fox].
Second letter of condolence, following burial of Mrs Fox.
CD’s sister Catherine has informed him of the death of WDF’s sister [Mrs Bristowe]. CD sends sympathy to WDF and his parents, and refers to the pure and holy comfort afforded by the Bible.
Is getting the information WDF wanted about his bills;
adds some news of entomology.
Accepts invitation to visit Osmaston in August. Plans a June trip to Shrewsbury, a three-week trip in Wales with F. W. Hope.
Is doing nothing but riding and entomology.
Thinks WDF wise to defer going into orders.
Reminds WDF to write about the "great magpie marriage". Sexual selection an "everlasting subject".
News of his children.
Asks for information on instances of sexual preference in animals and data on numbers of males and females born in various domesticated species.
Much interested in WDF’s letter on inheritance and courtship of birds. CD "in a great muddle" on many points.
Asks for further information on proportion of sexes in sheep.
Thanks WDF for information about sheep and cattle.
Mentions corrections for new edition of Origin [5th ed. (1869)].
CD likes Down House, describes countryside.
Tells of Edward Charlesworth fracas at Geological Society.
Is at work on Volcanic islands.
Has shipped a portmanteau and box of WDF’s things. Lists bills paid from funds sent.
"My success has been very splendid in the science" [entomology].
Sympathises with WDF’s persisting grief.
Describes Down House and additions being built, which interfere with Geology [of "Beagle"].
Bodily health is improved, but cannot stand mental excitement.
CD started on an entomology trip through N. Wales with F. W. Hope, but after two days his lips became bad, and he was unwell; had to return home. Took some good insects in the two days, but Hope "did wonders". CD is determined to retrace Hope’s tour before autumn.
Tells whereabouts of WDF’s remaining Cambridge possessions;
adds he has many insects for him. Can WDF join him for a week in Wales?
CD must read for his "Little Go" as the examination is being made more difficult.