Congratulations on Leonard Darwin’s success at Woolwich Academy.

Mentions the current activities of his own sons and of some old acquaintances.

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].

Louis Agassiz is going on a voyage to the Falklands, and BJS wonders whether it is worth while telling him of the Gallegos fossil bed so that he can investigate.

Privately advises CD against having anything to do with W. P. Snow, whose personality and past conduct on a mission vessel were very bad.

Reports on the successes of the missionaries on the Beagle Channel [Tierra del Fuego].

Mentions family news;

sends a little magazine [missing] dealing with South American mission and showing "what teaching and the gospel of Christ is doing for those poor Natives".

The Bishop of Falkland [Waite Hockin Stirling] is coming to visit BJS, who will question him for CD.

Discusses politics; regrets they have been badly beaten by the Tory candidate.

The Bishop of Falkland says the Fuegian natives’ health does not suffer through increased civilisation. Relates the Bishop’s observations on the state of Tierra del Fuego and its populace.