Asks JDH to forward publishing information to J. E. Gray.

Has received JDH’s infusorial specimens for Ehrenberg.

Gives information on the climate around the Falkland Islands and directs Wood to write to Captain Sulivan.

Writes to correct a statement made in his 1837 paper "On the formation of mould" [Collected papers 1: 49–53]. He should have said that marl was put on the field 30 years ago, not 80. Observations made on a visit to the field showed that worms had undermined the marl spread on the field at a faster rate than previously reported.

Thanks for JDH’s interesting details about the Galapagos.

Clarification of CD’s query about the relationship between the range of a genus and the ranges of its constituent species.

Thanks for information on printing charges

and for clarifying "typical forms".

In a few days CD will go away for six weeks.

Sends samples likely to contain Infusoria and some that Hooker collected in Antarctic regions.

Discusses a paper on the Rio Negro.

Thanks WBC for offer to examine specimen and for offer of slices of shells, but has no achromatic microscope.

Asks if J. E. Gray has returned [printing] estimates for Zoology.

Henslow has some Galapagos plants which he forgot to forward to JDH.

Sends HD a reference to human lice from Charles White 1799.

Discusses intestinal worms among humans.

Comments on origin of human races.

Sends a quotation from de Vallemont’s Curiosities of nature and art in husbandry and gardening (1707) showing that the value of saltpetre in manure and the advantage of steeping seeds in specially prepared liquid manure were well known at the time.

About the researches of Ehrenberg. "I have … sent him several packets of objects from my voyage & that of Dr. Hooker".

Encloses letter from Ehrenberg [758] about Infusoria.

Intends to visit Kew.

Astonished that dust sample contains Infusoria. Thinks dust is volcanic. Will write account of falling dust [see 775]. Offers further samples.

Asks that in the event of his death, Emma should have the sketch of his species theory edited and published. Suggests possible editors, among them Lyell, Edward Forbes, and J. D. Hooker. [CD annotation on cover: "Hooker by far best man to edit my species volume Aug 1854".]

Health and weather permitting, CD proposes to visit Kew.

Sends four packets of lice and suggests writing to Dr A. Smith, "the S. African traveller", for assistance.

Encloses letter from Ehrenberg [762], who wants information on deep-sea soundings from JDH’s voyage, and on isolated islands.

Sends a specimen of rusty wheat from the banks of the Plata.

Asks for bits of peat he collected

and a bit of the paint used by Fuegians to colour themselves.

He will send these to C. G. Ehrenberg for analysis.