Thanks CD for letter of 5 April and specimens; did not know the Falklands and Patagonia were so interesting geologically.

Will answer CD’s queries about S. Brazil in another letter. Names Friedrich Sellow, A. Saint-Hilaire, and Andrew Mathews as naturalists who travelled there. Directs CD to Alexander Caldcleugh in Santiago.

Recounts his trip [from Valparaiso] to Santiago. His meeting with Claude Gay, Thomas Sutcliffe, and others. Geology of tour uninteresting.

Gives a map of part of Chile between Santiago and San Fernando. Suggests places and people that CD might profitably visit [en route].

Heights of various places in Chile.

WDF sends news of his activities and of his family.

The Langtons will go to Madeira for the winter. E. A. Darwin and the Hensleigh Wedgwoods enjoyed a stay in Cambridge, where they saw Professors Whewell and Sedgwick. Colonel Leighton has died. The King has dismissed the Whig Ministry; Wellington is Premier, and the country is in a strange state.

Replies to CD’s letter [250], giving news of himself and mutual friends.

Met Capt. Harding who said FitzRoy was promoted to Post-Captain.

News of family and friends. Forthcoming marriages of Robert Wedgwood and Tom Eyton.

Sends CD large beetles from Chiloé.

Describes an earthquake at Caucague.

Gives exact location and measurements of two blocks of granite; has seen and heard of others; will report if he surveys the Potrero on Chiloé.

His trip across the Andes and back was his most successful excursion: can clearly demonstate that the western part of the double line of mountains is much older, with fossil shells at 12000ft; the eastern line may be as modern as the Patagonian plains. If proved, this is an important fact in the theory of the formation of the world. Has found petrified trees.

Gives details of his observations which lend support to the view that Chile is rising with respect to the sea. Reports some observations and opinions with regard to earthquakes and volcanic action in the area.

Greatly enjoyed CD’s company; has worried about his health. Adds some European and English news.

Passes on news from England and some Shrewsbury papers.

Memorandum of geological instructions to guide ABU during a voyage of [Constitucion] to survey the coast of Peru.

Living quietly on the ship and eating good food has been good for him. He longs for home. Peru is in a miserable state.

Some of CD’s letters were read at Geological Society in London. Professor Sedgwick says of CD, "doing admirably … collection above all praise … will have a great name among the Naturalists of Europe".

Erasmus has taken office of Clerk to a Government Commissioner. Other family news.

Reports in detail on the 20 Feb 1835 earthquake and on volcanic activity into December of 1835. Encloses a letter sent to him describing the earthquake.

CD’s impressions of Sydney and of FitzRoy’s character and temperament.

CD’s 27th birthday. News of family and friends. A niece, Mary Susan Parker, born 31 January.

Beagle is again in Brazil because of need to check on "singular disagreements in the Longitudes".

Pleased by Sedgwick’s praise.