Describes results of his experiments with hollyhocks. Some varieties breed true even though growing near others. This suggests that their pollen is "pre-potent" over that of other varieties, which is not the case with most plants. Asks some questions on which he would be glad to have correspondent work. [See also 3170.]

Henslow’s death.

What a contrast C. C. Babington will be as Professor of Botany at Cambridge.

Beaton not to be trusted.

CD may switch from Athenæum to London Review & Wkly J. Polit.

Acknowledges receipt of £239 9s. 7d.

Chauncey Wright’s review of Origin.

Family plans for Torquay in summer.

J. S. Henslow’s death.

Thanks JFWH for his "Physical geography" [from the Encyclopaedia Britannica (1861)]

and for what he says about Origin, though JFWH goes but a little way with CD. Gives reasons why he cannot accept "Design" in nature, though he is in a "complete jumble" on the point. Is confident of his views because they have aided good workers in several fields to "group and understand many scattered facts".

CD’s doubts on biography of Henslow. Writing recollections of Cambridge days at JDH’s request.

Thanks BJS for account of Mendoza earthquake.

FitzRoy sent CD the last London Review [& Weekly J. Polit.] and he read the article on Genesis, but feels it is an attempt to reconcile the irreconcilable.

Is obliged to Mr Bennett for information, the same relayed through Consul General Mr Crowe.

CD is interested in information that provides insight into the colour of the aboriginal horse and the possibility that the offspring of a cross between differently-coloured breeds revert to the colour of the aboriginal parent. He has examined crosses between pigeons for this purpose and would welcome any analogous facts resulting from crossing of distinct breeds.

Has heard, through Lubbock, of a gentleman who is offering a partnership in a bank.

Discusses the possibility of a banking job for William [Darwin]; wishes to meet JL to discuss the prospects.

Bearer brings three Porto Santo rabbits. Will ADB keep them and see whether they can be crossed with some other breed? CD believes they have become much reduced in size and modified in colour since their introduction into the island.

Discusses the opportunity for WED to become a partner in a bank.

Requests that exotic species of Vinca, which never set seed at Kew, be fertilised by pressing a fine bristle between anthers as a moth would its proboscis.

Asks that Primula farinosa be sent.

Thanks Mr Beaton for his answer [to 3147].

Asks further questions on points raised in Beaton’s previous papers: whether crossing white and blue varieties of Anemone apennina produced many pale shades; whether the Mathiola incana and M. glabra which crossed freely were artificially or naturally crossed.

CD is delighted by Beaton’s assertion that "not a flower in a thousand is fertilised by its own immediate pollen".

Recounts his experiments with Leschenaultia formosa to show insect fertilisation.

Thanks President and Council of Ethnological Society for his election.

Has completed MS on poultry [for Variation].

Thanks for information on their courtship.

Thanks for railway map.

Surprised about Richard Owen: "I thought his courage was as indomitable as his malignity."

Sends extract [Sir John Herschel, "Physical geography", from the Encyclopaedia Britannica (1861)].

[Queries in CD’s hand answered on same pages by WBT.] Sexual selection of fowls; role of beauty in cocks.

Sexual behaviour of fowls.

Has written recollections of Henslow [Collected papers 2: 72–4].