Asks for a testimonial for Edward Newman.

Discusses the Origin, considers natural selection works well when applied to the evolution of nations and groups of men; on the other hand feels the classification of mineral elements is a damaging analogy as it parallels organic classification but could not be derived by any evolutionary means.

Thanks GM for his excellent criticisms. His observations on the classification of minerals force him to "own that classification may be closely like that due to descent yet have no relation to it".

Asks whether GM has observed any cases of "bud-variations".

Thanks GM for his fair review [of Origin, Zoologist 19 (1861): 7577–611].

Feels it is a pity to mingle science and religion;

explains why he did not deal with the case of man.

Has read GM’s review and thanks him for its fair and liberal spirit. Discusses briefly several specific difficulties raised by it.

Thanks CD for his letter about GM’s review of the Origin.

Sends instances of correlative organisation and functions which he finds difficult to believe could have accumulated by gradual modifications.

[Letter erroneously dated 1862 by GM.]

Would welcome any facts on correlation, or GM’s criticisms. Explains how natural selection could produce apparent correlation of characters, but feels GM’s Pelargonium example must arise from the leaves and petals being similarly affected at an early stage by an unknown cause.

Discusses cases of assumed correlation, e.g., facial hair and generative organs, sexual characters in castrated oxen. Finds it difficult to see how correlation of functions which would be useless separately can be accumulated gradually through natural selection.

Thinks GM’s Pelargonium is a case of true correlated characters. Feels secondary sexual characters are only accidental correlations; does not see the same necessity for close simultaneous development of certain characters as GM does.

Will forward a copy of his Orchids.

Thanks CD for sending Orchids.

Reports observations by his uncle relating to the successful breeding of a male mule with a horse.

Discusses the structure and particular uniformities of the Shropshire coal-seams and surrounding strata; speculates on their origins.

Discusses the deposition of coal and considers the possibility of coal aggregating into seams after deposition.

Thanks GM for a curious lily.

Recommends some papers on coal.

Gives his opinion on the importance of forming theories if one is to be a good and original observer.

Has obtained fossils from Gibraltar that he believes are human. Requests Lyell’s address so that he can send the bones.

Believes GM’s human bones from Gibraltar must be of very doubtful age. Lyell agrees, but feels any skull found should be forwarded to George Busk or Hugh Falconer.

Suggests GM look carefully for shells in the drift.

Reports a monstrous pig that looks like an elephant. It was born of a pregnant sow which had been frightened by a circus elephant. He offers the monster, which died at birth, to any London museum.

Believes GM’s reported monstrosity is not rare. Does not believe it resulted from the effect of the imagination of the mother on her offspring.

In response to CD’s request for bud-sports, he sends a piece of a fern-leaved beech.

Thanks GM for a specimen; it is a sport with which he is already familiar.

Planning to visit Gibraltar and Morocco. Is there anything he can do for CD?

Thanks GM for offer of observations. Would be interested to know when the horns of merino rams first appear,

and has long wished for living specimens of Drosophyllum.