Asks WDF for facts about stripes in horses and ponies.

Health has been very bad.

Will be most curious to hear results of WDF’s experiment with a kite and turkey chicks "by themselves".

If WDF ever sees a striped dun horse, he should ascertain colour of dam and sire.

Gives his opinion of the charges against E. W. Lane.

Profoundly sorry for Lane.

Thanks WDF for facts about call ducks, pigs, and Leicester sheep.

Has been observing and experimenting on the construction of bees’ cells. Thinks he has a theory which simplifies the problem.

Scarlet fever in family; nurse ill.

Baby [Charles Waring Darwin] died of scarlet fever on 28 June. "Fear has almost driven away grief."

The crisis is abating – no further scarlet fever in the family.

After all, CD is now beginning to prepare an abstract of his species theory. Recounts the events leading to joint paper with A. R. Wallace at Linnean Society. Lyell and Hooker urge strongly that he publish a fuller abstract. It is impossible to do justice to subject in an abstract.

His sister, Marianne Parker, has died.

Has suggested WDF’s name to Hooker and Henslow, who are sending a circular for aid to John Ralfs.

Is working steadily at his abstract, hopes to publish in spring.

Asks if WDF has seen a donkey with double shoulder stripe; also, has he seen a black greyhound with tan feet and a tan spot over each eye? "Such must exist because theory tells me it ought!"

Undergoing hydropathic treatment for his old ailment.

The "Abstract" [Origin] is the cause. Only two chapters to do.

His satisfaction that he believes he has convinced Hooker and Huxley and staggered Lyell.

Is correcting chapters [of Origin] for press.

Health has been wretched of late.

He values fame to a certain extent, but "if I know myself, I work from a sort of instinct to try to make out truth".

Sympathises with family on death of WDF’s mother [Anne Fox née Darwin].

Sends details of fees at Moor Park hydropathic establishment.

His book [Origin] is nearly done. Is not so silly as to expect to convert WDF. Lyell is wavering; Hooker has come round.

Family news.

Asks WDF to find out if a cross between differently coloured horses produces a dun.

First impressions of the water-cure establishment are not favourable – "I always hate everything new".

News of his health and the water-cure establishment.

[Origin] "my weariful book on Species" has been sent to WDF, who will not agree with it. Hooker is a convert, and Lyell is "staggered".

His poor health keeps him from work.

His book [Origin] is a success "in the ordinary sense" – has had to reprint another 3000 copies.

Will now begin his "bigger book" which he plans to publish in three separate volumes with distinct titles and also a general title.

Congratulates WDF on his marriage,

reminisces about Cambridge and early entomology. Now neglects entomology for geology.

Describes Concepción after earthquake.

Hopes to cross Cordilleras before they leave South America in September.

Only proof that internal organs and bones were intermediate would convince CD of the possibility of the astounding [deer] hybrid WDF has reported.

Has WDF positive knowledge that common ganders do not always turn white?

Has begun his larger books. New editions of Origin will appear.

What is right and wrong in it will soon be sifted.

Attacks [on Origin] are "hot and heavy". Adam Sedgwick and William Clark at Cambridge Philosophical Society opened a battery. J. S. Henslow defended in grand style.

Slow progress on bigger book.

Expresses envy for WDF’s life as a clergyman.

Outlines homeward voyage; tells of his hope of seeing active volcanoes and Tertiary strata in Galapagos. Recommends geology to Fox. Discusses Lyell’s views; CD has become "a zealous disciple".

Has WDF ever observed musk ducks laying eggs in high places? The case bears on retention of aboriginal habits.

Also wants data on period of gestation of dog breeds. [See Variation 1: 30.]