Grieves over poor account of her health. Emma and Henrietta are also ill.

Discusses information about Dr Erasmus Darwin.

Was it Lady Charlemont or Charleville who remarked how agreeable their grandfather was?

Asks her to confirm story about Robert Darwin (father of Dr Erasmus).

Division of CW’s share [of E. A. Darwin’s estate]. Investment advice.

Recounts his memories of their mother and of her death. Remembers "her black velvet gown and her work table and the death scene", but cannot remember her face. Remembers that Caroline "always acted like a mother" to him and Catherine.

Questions about his college bills.

Describes the living conditions he will have on the Beagle.

The outfitting of the Beagle progresses.

CD has been dining out more than he wishes. He has met W. S. Harris of "Electricity" fame.

His fears and hopes about seasickness.

A new continent has been discovered "somewhere far South". "Perhaps we may be sent in search."

CD’s enjoyment of the beauty of the tropics is worth all the misery of seasickness. His mail gave him great pleasure. For two weeks he will visit a large estate in the country, and on return live at Botofogo for some weeks, collecting and learning to know the tropics.

His trip to the interior was full of interest, but exhausting physically. Expects to stay at least a fortnight at Botofogo, because the Beagle returns to Bahia to correct a difference in the longitude measurements. Writes of his companions, of FitzRoy, and of his journal – which he has sent home.

During the past two months CD has been lucky with fossil bones, and he is also finding new specimens of living animals.

He describes an ostrich hunt.

Has received several letters from home.

He enjoys Buenos Aires and admires the señoritas. Tierra del Fuego is next.

CD comments on lectures and lecturers at Edinburgh.

Account of the four-month voyage to Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn, and return. The Fuegians are landed with Richard Matthews [the missionary in charge of them]. Storms, seasickness, hostile savages, and scenery are described. His increasing interest in all branches of natural history makes the hardships worth while. FitzRoy buys a schooner. CD will stay at Rio Negro while it is fitted.

With the help of General Rosas, CD has just finished an overland journey from Patagones to Buenos Aires; he tells of fossil finds at Bahia Blanca and Guardia del Monte. Spring reminds him of home.

Describes his trip to north of Santa Fé, his illness, and return by boat to Buenos Aires – which he found in the throes of a revolution. Covington is cut off from the town, which some expect to be plundered.

His troubles during the revolution have ended well.

Now plans to investigate geological formations at Rio Negro. Is concerned about the expense but cannot bear to miss seeing "one of the most curious pieces of Geology".

Thanks for her letter of March, which gave him his first explanation of the interest in the [Megatherium] head he had sent.

Wants E. A. Darwin to tell William Clift not to remove numbers or markers on any specimens. The British Museum has first claim on any of his specimens; CD cannot at present say where any should go.

Astounded she cares for his book [Origin] as much as she seems to.

Comments on variation among domestic dogs; believes domestic dog has descended from several wild species and those species from a single ancient ancestor.

Athenæum review is unfair.

Expects to convert four or five "really good judges".

Became ill two weeks before on his return from Santiago after an interesting trip and some geology – though snow kept him out of the Andes. FitzRoy has had to sell the schooner; he was discouraged by the Admiralty, and the expense was too much for him to bear personally.

Definite plans now to leave Valparaiso 1 June and to arrive in Sydney in January; then Cape of Good Hope and home in September 1836.

Describes Concepción after earthquake.

Will cross the Cordilleras. Hopes snow will hold off.

Describes his trip from Coquimbo to Copiapò, where he rejoined the Beagle – a hard and wearisome journey, but geologically interesting.

FitzRoy piloted the [Blonde] to rescue crew of wrecked Challenger.

CD has received letters that were missing, and others; for ten months there will be none to or from him.

At sea 25 days from Galapagos to Tahiti, where they stayed ten days. It was delightful. Then three weeks to New Zealand, where they will be for ten days.

Convinced of high merit of missionaries.

Dislikes Augustus Earle’s book.