Sends date of his mother’s death – 7 Apr 1859.
Was completely mystified by conjuring performance of [John Nevil] Maskelyne.
Thanks CD for Insectivorous plants.
Is coming to London and hopes to visit Down.
Reports on upward projection of Pulmonaria flowers.
Congratulates W. E. Darwin, who is about to be married,
and CD for the LL.D. conferred upon him by Cambridge.
Congratulates CD on his birthday.
WDF has been suffering from bronchitis.
Thanks CD for his condolences. Reminisces about their youth.
On the death of his naturalist friend, W. C. Hewitson.
Informs CD that in his experience with peas he has never found the seed to deteriorate.
Sends family news;
describes what remains of his "menagerie" and tells of his interest in the framework of his son’s German badger-hound.
Fears he cannot give much information for CD’s book [Erasmus Darwin]. Recounts how his mother’s health was improved by Erasmus Darwin’s treatment. Remembers being attacked as a boy by an angry lady whose beautiful teeth were extracted by Dr Darwin "to cure some nervous spasms".
Has no letters or papers [of Erasmus Darwin].
Suggests CD cite some of Erasmus Darwin’s poems to answer the charge of atheism [see Erasmus Darwin, p. 44].
Recounts a story of a remarkable cure by Dr Darwin, showing his sagacity and daring.
Would much like to see Dr Birchfield appointed superintendent of the new asylum at Woking.
Is trying to procure some cocks for CD.
Believes Scotch deerhounds are mongrels.
Has been away from parish because of a three-month illness. Refers briefly to events in England since the Beagle sailed.
He is staying on the Isle of Wight because he has been unwell. He is thought to be in danger of contracting consumption, and the climate is beneficial. He is convalescent now, but will spend the winter there.
Offers to forward any natural history stores CD may want.
His health has improved but he continues "a good deal of an invalid" and is uncertain what the future holds for him.
His interest in entomology and ornithology continues; he has been studying the gulls on the Isle of Wight.
WDF sends news of his activities and of his family.
Hopes they might meet as WDF has to come to town.
Plans to meet CD in town.
Discusses crossed varieties of sheep and ducks.
A "quiz" on CD has appeared in the Illustrated Times [2 May 1863, p. 317].
