Describes siege [of Montevideo].

Reports on appearance and habits of horses and cattle of Falkland Islands; wild rabbits and pigs. Geology of the Falklands, especially of West Island. Discusses supposed discovery of coal. Has sent fossil specimens to CD.

Sends photo of four Fuegians, including Jemmy Button’s son.

Reports incident of two wild stallions on the Falklands acting together in an attempt to take a troop of mares from an introduced English horse [see Descent 2: 241].

Recounts case of parrot whose talking seems to show "power of connecting definite sounds with definite ideas" [see Descent, 2d ed., p. 85 n.].

Has not seen CD’s daughter yet. Hopes the fine weather will continue while she is there [in Bournemouth].

Returns BJS’s Christmas good wishes.

The progress of Tierra del Fuego is almost as wonderful as that of Japan.

Is sorry to hear about Mellersh.

BJS has just moved.

Gives the information he has of their old shipmates.

Tells of his brother’s misfortunes.

BJS was pleased to see CD’s son [William] and his wife at Charles Langton’s.

His own son is preparing for marriage.

Reports meeting a former Beagle shipmate.

Asks whether CD wishes to join other old "Beagles" in supporting an orphan grandson of Jemmy Button.

Scheme for Jemmy Button’s grandson has fallen through, as he has already been "adopted".

Encloses a letter [missing] on the progress of the Fuegians.

His eldest son has married.

Explains the occurrence of cattle on the Fuegian islands.

Discusses intentions with regard to missionary stations and steamers in the area.

Repeats extracts of a letter received from Bishop Stirling’s daughter containing anecdotes and observations of the Fuegian natives.

Reports on his family’s illnesses and other domestic matters.

The "Beagles" are, after all, to provide for Jemmy Button’s grandson [see 11501].

Thanks CD for the loan of a book;

discusses his family’s health and other domestic affairs.

Is collecting annual subscriptions for the support of J[emmy] FitzRoy Button. Has only just been told of the death of Miss [Sarah Elizabeth] Wedgwood.

Gives news of some former Beagle crew members.

Wonders whether CD can explain why white muscat grapes growing between two black grapevines have started turning black on ripening but retain the muscat flavour.

Reports the observations of Thomas Bridges on the Fuegian natives. Discusses especially the languages of the area.

Gives further details on his grapes.

Tells of his recent movements and state of health.

BJS is looking forward to reading the life of Lyell [K. M. Lyell, Life, letters and journals of Sir Charles Lyell, 2 vols. (1881)].

BJS’s son has seen six Fuegians being exhibited in Berlin; BJS hopes that they might be bought from their master and returned to Tierra del Fuego.