Has read WBT’s interesting communication on bees’ cells [Athenæum 16 Oct 1858]. Would like to see his excavated cells.

Fertilisation of papilionaceous flowers [Collected papers 2: 19–25].

JDH’s reactions to CD’s theory.

Discussed human fossil evidence with Hugh Falconer.

Further answers on his seed lot.

Asks about Kattywar (Kathiawari) horses in India.

Information about about Kattywar (Kathiawari) horses in India.

Asks supplementary questions about Kattywar (Kathiawari) horses in India.

CD’s reasons for not signing the memorial requesting removal of natural history exhibits from British Museum. Less sure about moving botanical specimens to Kew. His notion of museum organisation.

Further information about about Kattywar (Kathiawari) horses in India.

Thanks for the information about about Kattywar (Kathiawari) horses in India.

Memorial concerning British Museum collection. CD opposes removing the natural history collection of the British Museum to Kensington.

Glad WED has begun under George Henslow in the way that he has. CD wishes he had had such practice under J. S. Henslow.

Has had luck in his search for striped horses.

On moving the natural history collection of the British Museum to Kensington.

Subscription for John Ralfs.

Hooker has convinced him that move of British Museum by Government is anticipated. He is now willing to sign the memorial. Still fears for library needs, and objects to distant Kensington site. Lyell should be asked to sign.

Discusses matters relating to WED’s first term [at Cambridge].

Asks about dark stripes on shoulders and legs of Hungarian horses. Are stripes plainer in foal or adult?

Lyell receives Copley Medal; CD to write notes for JDH’s éloge of Lyell.

Arrangements to meet JSH at station for his visit to Down.

Thanks RMR for contribution to Down charities. Declines invitation.

Busy with introductory essay to [The botany of the Antarctic voyage, pt III] Flora Tasmaniae [printed separately as On the flora of Australia (1859)].

Now explains greater abundance of European species in Tasmania than in Fuegia by CD’s "refrigeration" hypothesis.

Reports the decreased yield of pods resulting from excluding bees from the flowers of the kidney bean. Gives other observations suggesting the importance of bees in the fertilisation of papilionaceous flowers.

Cites cases of crosses between varieties of bean grown close together and requests observations from readers on the subject. States his belief "that is a law of nature that every organic being should occasionally be crossed with a different individual of the same species".