All his affairs are most prosperous. Has found many who will undertake description of animals; he will work at the geology. Lyell has been most friendly and kind.

CD has been proposed to the Geological Society.

Family news.

Henslow’s death a sad loss. Leonard Jenyns will write a biography.

Informs WDF of his activities since the Beagle landed.

Finished going over his geological specimens at Cambridge, and is now in London.

Describes his plans for writing the journal, and later the geology and zoology of the Beagle voyage.

Asks if WDF has ever crossed wild and common turkeys. Would like to quote his authority [see Variation 1: 292].

Also curious whether WDF has known the so-called japanned peacock to appear from common peacock [Variation 1: 290].

Thanks WDF for interesting letter about turkeys. Would be grateful for information on fertility of the hybrids.

Has finished the Journal; is readying it for the press.

Adds family news including Caroline’s forthcoming marriage to Josiah Wedgwood III.

WDF’s information on turkeys will be useful when CD resumes his half-finished volume [see Variation 1: 292].

Illness in the family.

Would like to go to Cambridge [for BAAS meeting]. Reminisces about his student days.

Pleased that WDF likes his book [Orchids]. At one time CD agreed with Lyell that he was an ass to publish it.

Working on dimorphism and sensibility of other plants.

Proof-sheets [of Journal of researches] are tumbling in. Mentions future plans for Zoology and geological works. Has £1000 from Government for illustrations.

Writes following his visit to WDF.

Mentions fossils Fox has collected.

News of Albert Way.

Hensleigh Wedgwood has resigned his post because of scruples about taking oaths.

Hopes they might meet as WDF has to come to town.

Invites WDF to Down.

His stomach now so bad he cannot stay, even with close relations, for more than half an hour at a time.

Plans to meet CD in town.

Has quoted WDF on crossing white and slate muscovy ducks [Variation 2: 40]. When not crossed, do these breed true?

Will also quote him on Mr Woodd’s white ewes that produced black lambs by a ram with only black spots [Variation 2: 30].

Discusses crossed varieties of sheep and ducks.

If WDF should hear what ram was put to the ewes, CD would like to add it [see Variation 2: 30].

Will add "cautiously" that WDF believes white and slate muscovy ducks breed true [Variation 2: 40].

Thanks WDF for authentic details of number and colour of lambs [Variation 2: 30].

Complains of his eczema.

A "quiz" on CD has appeared in the Illustrated Times [2 May 1863, p. 317].

Reports on the effects of inbreeding in dogs and the results of crossing Canada and common geese.