Describes an orange tree with curious "horned" fruit; sends specimen. Asks if the horns represent "metamorphoses of some organ into the fruit orange".

Family news. Mainly concerned about Doddy’s [W. E. Darwin’s] health.

The happy family life at Shrewsbury. CD is looking so well his father would not have known there was anything the matter with him. The year’s accounts come to £1380.

Returns snuff box.

Sends a microscope for repair.

Makes appointment to discuss some corals that he is sending.

Comments on birth [of Catherine Elizabeth Sophia Wedgwood].

Plans to visit Shrewsbury.

Describes behaviour of William Darwin.

Discusses speculation losses of acquaintances, including T. Carlyle’s. Mentions his own loss on Journal of researches.

Family news from Shrewsbury.

News of family and of his stay at Shrewsbury.

Calculates the newly instituted income tax will mean £30 per annum.

Is "stomachy and be-blue-devilled" because of costs of publishing [Zoology and Coral reefs]. Wonders how the remainder [of the Zoology and Geology of "Beagle"] can be published without taking £200 or £300 out of their personal funds.

Tells WAL where specimen of Cynoglossum sylvaticum may be seen growing.

Emma and Doddy [W. E. Darwin] like Down. CD has met, and plans to employ, the local surgeon. "I feel sure I shall become deeply attached to Down, with a few improvements".

Has made an offer for house at Down, renting having been refused. Discusses price, risks involved, and Edward Cresy’s advice.

Describes the village of Down and the house they are thinking of buying.

CD gives JSH Fuegian paints and spears and a Pacific dolphin hook for his museum.

Emma recovering well from birth of third child, Mary Eleanor.

Sorry to hear Leonard Horner has been ill.

Has received high praise of Coral reefs from Lyell.

[Written on CD’s annotated copy of a pamphlet reprint of CM’s review of Coral reefs.] CD asks CM to return the pamphlet to him.

Congratulates FitzRoy on his appointment as Governor of New Zealand. Wants to see him and his wife before their departure. Proposes to call on them in London next Thursday.

CD will sent seeds to specialists for identification.

Has not yet heard from R. Brown, but John Lindley thinks species will probably turn out to be common ones.

Describes alterations being made at Down House. Accepts father’s offer to lend him money.

Thanks father for loan. Explains difficulty of acquiring the land through which the approach to Down House now runs.