CD sorry he had to leave the Hookers abruptly to catch his train.

Comments on JL’s paper on Daphnia, ["An account of methods of reproduction in Daphnia and of the structure of the ephippium", Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. 147 (1857): 79–100].

Discusses arthropod structure and the nature of the corium.

CD relieved by JDH’s positive response to his MS.

CD continues observations on means of transport.

JDH’s Raoul Island paper [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 22 (1857): 133–41], showing continuity of vegetation with New Zealand, best evidence yet of continental extension.

Describes the funeral of Aunt Sarah [Elizabeth Wedgwood].

CD finds JDH’s objections to a mundane cold period significant, and he endeavours to show how they do not rule out mutability.

He is writing on crossing.

CD encloses letter from Asa Gray, although it is critical of JDH.

Role of struggle in forming species in retreat from advancing glaciers.

CD, attempting to clarify debate, states more of his position. External conditions cause "mere variability". Formation of species due to selection. Relation of an organism to its associates far more important than external conditions.

Writes about suitable mourning clothes and sale of house [Petleys, after death of Sarah Elizabeth Wedgwood I].

Thanks for promise of rabbit carcase and for information about rabbit at Zoological Society’s Garden.

Requests correspondent to ask Mr Vivian for carcase of an old "Creve-coeur" cock. CD has found that the skull in this breed is modified to support its comb.

He is steadily and very hard at work on "Variation" [Natural selection] and finds the whole subject "deeply interesting but horribly perplexed".

Questions JDH on separation of sexes in trees in New Zealand flora.

CD is convinced of relation between separation of sexes and tree-habit.

Recent hard blows against crossing theory.

CD long tormented by land molluscs on oceanic islands; found transport possible experimentally.

Writes of arrangements for the end of the school-term.

Condition of Emma and the new baby [C. W. Darwin].

On the variety of species definitions prevalent among naturalists.

JL is studying Cynipidae. CD sends galls for his examination.

Invites him to visit. JDH and one or two others coming.

CD asks whether New Zealand tribes have an idea of beauty in women which is "like ours"; WBDM answers, "Yes".

Criticises at length the concept of submerged continents attaching islands to the mainland in the recent period. Notes drastic alteration of geography required, the dissimilar species on opposite shores of continents, and differences between volcanic islands and mountains of mainland areas. Admits sea-bed subsidence, but not enough to engulf continents. Denies that theory can explain island flora and fauna.

Considers Edward Forbes’s idea a check on study of dissemination of species.

The bearer has called for the books. Requests volumes of Isis for 1828 and 1829.