GCW has correctly expressed CD’s views when he says he intentionally left the question of the origin of life uncanvassed as being altogether ultra vires in the present state of our knowledge. Thinks he may somewhere have said that principle of continuity renders it possible that the principle of life will be shown to be a part of, or consequence of, some general law.

Discusses GCW’s Notes on the presence of animal life at vast depths [1860]. Asks for information on the decay of exuviae of organisms at bottom of sea. Has GCW reason to believe extensive areas of sea-bottom are bare? Is he sure rounded pebbles were not dropped by icebergs? Curious that water at such depths retains oxygen.

Regrets he cannot come to London to be photographed [for GCW’s Eminent men of the day (1870)]. Invites GCW to Down.

Asks for the negative and permission to publish photo of smiling girl. [Expression, p. 202, plate III, fig. 2.]

Has received GCW’s negative from the Heliotype Co. Thanks him for the beautiful work of art which, however, will make others on the same plate look ugly. [See Expression, pl. III, fig. 2.]

In a forthcoming lecture GCW will dispute Haeckel on Protista and his statement that spontaneous generation is necessary to complete evolution as a doctrine. Wishes to confirm his understanding that CD has nowhere expressed himself on the "origin of life", and has considered only the manner of succession.

Response to [3020]. CD has been misled by errors made in the Times notice [5 Dec 1860, p. 5]. GCW does not doubt that Foraminiferous matter as well as other deep sea deposits vary greatly in thickness, but positive results are difficult to establish. Some areas of the sea bed are bare but their extent has not been established. He now thinks that he was too hasty in the conclusion that deep currents produce abrasion and rounding of gravel.