Argues the antiquity of the human species because natural selection acts differently with respect to men. Changes in man are largely confined to head and brain. Warfare and sex are very uncertain as means of selection.

Gives CD complete credit for theory of natural selection.

Is beginning his narrative of his travels.

Lyell argues against tracing man as far back as Miocene times. R. I. Murchison’s argument that Africa is the oldest existing land implies that Africa is the place to look for early man.

Forwards two character references for John Scott, for position JDH is arranging in India.

Request for climbing plants.

Acknowledges receipt of £242 11s. 10d.

Thanks JH for his kind enquiries about CD’s illness.

Requests climbing plants.

Asks that Oliver be told that he now does not care "how many tendrils he makes axial".

Inquires about CD’s health.

JDH is writing letters for Scott, whose temper will be "no obstacle for Hindoos and Musselmen working under him".

New curator at Kew finds considerable neglect, with hundreds of plants dying.

Cannot get any Stellaria graminea for CD. It is rare. Some, producing different kinds of flowers, once grew in Sandgate, Kent. Variations in flowers need to be re-examined.

Would like to meet CD.

He is writing a piece on the Schleswig-Holstein affair which will expose the British press.

Sends observations on seeds of Pulmonaria officinalis requested by CD.

Discusses cost of trip to India and CD’s offer to advance sum. Thanks Hooker for assistance. Would prize a scientific testimonial from CD.

CD has proved common oxlip to be a hybrid of cowslip and primrose.

Reviewing literature on climbing plants, CD finds he has much new material.

W. H. Harvey claims evidence of saltation in a dandelion.

Sends Passiflora paper [see 4485].

Sends seeds of peloric Antirrhinum crossed by normal form and sends results of his experiments [table of crosses].

Thanks CD for £25. Discusses preparations for trip to India.

Letter of recommendation stating his high opinion of John Scott.

CD’s photograph looks like J. R. Herbert’s Moses in the fresco in the House of Lords.

JDH is delighted about oxlip, but hybridity does not explain some large patches that are uniform and do not vary towards either cowslip or primrose.

Encloses letter from W. H. Harvey discussing Myosotis sylvatica and the common dandelion.

Informs CD of two distinct forms of Plantago lanceolata.

W. H. Harvey’s dandelion case worth publishing.

Suspects the uniform Primula elatior JDH referred to is a distinct species.

Scott’s paper on Passiflora shows variability of reproductive systems.

Asks DO to draw diagram of Lythrum on board at Linnean Society for reference during the reading of CD’s paper.

Will be glad to do diagram for CD;

asks whether he has read a Hugo von Mohl paper [see 4349].