Much pleased that LH approves of Origin.

"Ilkley [Wells] did me extraordinary good."

Wants to know C. J. F. Bunbury’s opinion of Origin.

CD will not write to L. Descaisne to defend his priority over C. V. Naudin.

Feels success of theory depends on acceptance and application by good and well-known workers, like JDH, Huxley, and Lyell.

High, detailed praise for introductory essay to Flora Tasmaniae [reprinted as On the flora of Australia (1859)]. CD expects it to convert botanists from doctrine of immutable creation.

CD has written to Asa Gray criticising J. D. Dana’s arguments for a warm period subsequent to glacial period.

Remembers it is Alphonse de Candolle who states that many species are not true species.

Did Huxley write the excellent review in the Times?

Queries possible misprint in JDH’s introduction to Flora Tasmaniae.

Thanks for correction concerning the scarcity of fossil littoral shells.

Grieved at JDD’s illness. Recommends water-cure. Describes his own illness.

The reception of Origin has been more successful than he dreamed.

Thanks JSH for specimens. Comments on the structure of a hornet comb and asks JSH to obtain some fresh combs for him and to make observations for him. He is greatly interested in "these wondrous architectural instincts".