Invites Mrs Huxley and the children to spend a fortnight at Down.

MS of Chauncey Wright’s review has not yet arrived.

[P.S. missing from original.]

Sends correspondence between Dr Erasmus Darwin and Josiah Wedgwood I [of Etruria] on glaciers.

Also a pamphlet [Asa Gray, Natural selection not inconsistent with natural theology (1861)] containing "the best account" of the Origin.

Sends pamphlet by Asa Gray [Natural selection not inconsistent with natural theology (1861)]. Hopes AM may get it noticed in any natural history periodical in Edinburgh.

Will send AM a corrected [3d] edition of Origin. AM will find little alteration in the parts he attacked, which, to the best of CD’s judgment, did not seem to require correction. Assures AM that he does not send his new edition out of bravado.

If JM disapproves of inserting CD’s geological works on back of title-page [of Origin, 3d ed.], he should strike them out. CD cares little. Reminds him to insert "additions and corrections" in advertisements. Sends list for presentation copies.

Asks whether his Journal of researches has sold at all satisfactorily.

Would like to borrow WBT’s collection of fowls’ skulls.

Asks for WBT’s opinion of G. Ferguson, the author of a poultry book [Ferguson’s illustrated book of domestic poultry].

Comments on JL’s Seasons with sea-horses [1861]. Thinks JL bold to defend his bear–whale illustration.

Praise for DO’s paper on Hamamelidaceae ["On Sycopis", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 23 (1862): 83–9, read 15 Mar 1860]. Everything points to its being a "bankrupt" family.

Hydropathy at Malvern may take him from Drosera. Requests Dionaea and Cypripedium.

Believes AG’s pamphlet will do natural selection "right good service".

CD expresses his gratification that a geologist of AG’s standing and influence subscribes to the idea of the mutability of species.

Thanks for skulls

and information about Ferguson.

Is working on rabbits’ skeletons.

Agrees with GR’s remarks on Asa Gray’s pamphlet.

New edition of Origin to appear immediately.

Fact of clubbed fingernails in cyanosis quite new to CD. Asks for information.

Making slow progress with Variation.

Thanks AM for his note. [Asa Gray’s] pamphlet was meant for AM if he thinks it worth accepting.

Asks for a rabbit specimen;

inquires about a hybrid hare–rabbit.

JL’s approval of CD’s work is gratifying. Most palaeontologists despise it. Delighted that JL has some interesting facts "in support of … selection". Is sure his views will be partially accepted. Has never doubted that "much in my Book will be proved erroneous".

CD is obliged for the securing of [Ferguson’s illustrated book of domestic poultry]. Since he has already been given a copy, may he return this one?

Thanks for explanation of cyanosis and clubbed nails.

Hopes GR will work out point about mucus tubes.

Obliged for offer to observe orchids.

Not surprised that AGM demurs to acceptance of his views. Discusses effects of natural selection.

Invitation to Down for weekend with Huxley and W. B. Carpenter.

Promises to send copy of Origin [3d ed.].

Is pleased that PLS has "become ""heretical"" on species".