BJS has just moved.

Gives the information he has of their old shipmates.

Tells of his brother’s misfortunes.

BJS was pleased to see CD’s son [William] and his wife at Charles Langton’s.

His own son is preparing for marriage.

Reports meeting a former Beagle shipmate.

Asks whether CD wishes to join other old "Beagles" in supporting an orphan grandson of Jemmy Button.

Will be happy to subscribe to support Jemmy FitzRoy Button. Supposes BJS has considered whether it would be a real kindness to educate the boy.

Scheme for Jemmy Button’s grandson has fallen through, as he has already been "adopted".

Encloses a letter [missing] on the progress of the Fuegians.

His eldest son has married.

Thanks for account of Fuegians

and news about old "Beaglers".

Has been reading A. A. Brassey [Around the world in the yacht "Sunbeam" (1878)].

Explains the occurrence of cattle on the Fuegian islands.

Discusses intentions with regard to missionary stations and steamers in the area.

Repeats extracts of a letter received from Bishop Stirling’s daughter containing anecdotes and observations of the Fuegian natives.

Reports on his family’s illnesses and other domestic matters.

The progress of the Fuegians is wonderful.

Sympathises with the "lamentable state" BJS and his family have been in.

The "Beagles" are, after all, to provide for Jemmy Button’s grandson [see 11501].

Sends £2 for the "Buttonian subscription" [see 9229].

Returns BJS’s Christmas good wishes.

The progress of Tierra del Fuego is almost as wonderful as that of Japan.

Is sorry to hear about Mellersh.

Lends BJS Titus Coan’s Adventures in Patagonia [1880].

Thanks him for copies of the missionary journal.

Thanks CD for the loan of a book;

discusses his family’s health and other domestic affairs.

Is collecting annual subscriptions for the support of J[emmy] FitzRoy Button. Has only just been told of the death of Miss [Sarah Elizabeth] Wedgwood.

Gives news of some former Beagle crew members.

Wonders whether CD can explain why white muscat grapes growing between two black grapevines have started turning black on ripening but retain the muscat flavour.

BJS’s case is one of the direct action of the pollen of one variety on the mother plant of another variety. Gives references to analogous cases.

Reports the observations of Thomas Bridges on the Fuegian natives. Discusses especially the languages of the area.