Has suggested WDF’s name to Hooker and Henslow, who are sending a circular for aid to John Ralfs.

Is working steadily at his abstract, hopes to publish in spring.

Asks if WDF has seen a donkey with double shoulder stripe; also, has he seen a black greyhound with tan feet and a tan spot over each eye? "Such must exist because theory tells me it ought!"

Hermaphrodite trees are enough to "knock" CD down. Can JDH observe Eucalyptus to see whether pollen and stigma mature at same time?

JDH’s facts showing European plants are more common in southern Australia than in South America are disturbing because they are improbable on CD’s views of migration.

JDH said he would give examples of Australian forms that have migrated north along the mountains of the Malay Archipelago.

An enclosure sent with the letter to JDH, 14 November [1858] (Correspondence vol. 7) - questions and comments on lists of European species found in south-west Australia and Tasmania, and European genera found in Australia.

Wants WBT’s advice on poultry breeding experiments. Are certain birds true to their kind, and what should he pay for them?

Reports on difference between first and second plantings of beans.

Wishes to know whether differences in constitution (such as disease susceptibility) are related to differences in complexion. "Liability to such a disease as yellow fever would answer my question in the best possible way."

CD and eight zoologists and botanists publish a memorial on "the arrangements by which National Collections in Natural History can be best adapted to the advancement of science and its general diffusion among the Public".

Sends an account of different colours and shapes of seeds raised from ordinary seeds of scarlet runner. [See Cross and self-fertilisation, p. 151.]

At work on the introductory essay to Flora Tasmaniae.

Discusses the effects of climate and geography on "vegetable strife".

Thanks WAL for specimens and observations [on scarlet runner beans]. CD is perplexed whether to account for the changes as due to simple variation or to crossing. The information will be used when he finally comes to a conclusion on the subject [see Cross and self-fertilisation, p. 151].

CD declines to write Lyell éloge [for Copley Medal] because of his ill health.

Refers to CD’s article "Fertilisation of papilionaceous flowers" in Gardeners’ Chronicle [Collected papers 2: 19–25] and asks how forced beans flower in winter when no insect is on the wing.

Praises JDH’s Australian introduction.

Disputes JDH’s emphasis on SE. and SW. Australian flora.

Thanks JE for information about striped horses.

Says John Lindley wants to know about Hungarian horticulture.

Thanks for HS’s Essays: [scientific, political, and speculative, vol. 1 (1858)]. Admires his general argument for the development theory.

CD is preparing an abstract on change of species. He treats subject as a naturalist, not from a general point of view. Otherwise he might have quoted HS’s argument to great advantage.

CD particularly liked articles on music and style. Expression is a favourite topic with CD. Agrees all expression is biological.

Replies to CD’s question on whether beans in first or second year were planted near any other varieties.

"I thank you much for your note. The object, of course, is what you say. I did not guess that I shd have to pay so much per hen to Baker & the experiment would not be at all worth such a sum. I have not a single hen worth sending to Steven’s. If it really will not cost you much trouble, & you could get me some Hens & a young Spanish cock of pure breed . . . I will try to experiment and shall be very heartily obliged to you". CD mentions satisfactory local hens of a particular breed and an experiment being conducted on "Silver Barbs [with] black wing bars & white rump or bar at end of tail".

Has had some misgivings about the memorial but now thinks his fears were vain and cowardly. Regrets R. I. Murchison was not told in advance. His low opinion of the Government and B. Disraeli.

Examining JDH’s list. CD struck by how many plants are common to Europe, S. America, and Australia.

Sends receipt for £250 6s. 2d.