Discusses the direction of WED’s studies.

Tells of the response to the Origin and the impact that it has made in England and abroad.

CD’s list of fifteen converts. His opinions on opponents and supporters.

Responds to JL’s comments on effect of natural selection on grouse or reindeer.

Asks if dirt adheres to feet of water-birds.

Reports catching a landrail on board ship.

Encloses drawings of insects caught at sea.

Lyell and CD would urge JDH to make his essays into a book, but see he has embarked on a huge project with G. Bentham [Genera plantarum, 3 vols. (1862–83)].

Asks if JP can send criticism of Origin.

JDH coming to Down. Huxley will be invited.

Thanks HGB [for his Morphologische Studien (1858)].

Pleased at quickness of translation.

W&N have not yet received the German edition of the Origin.

Recommend French–English and French dictionaries.

Comments on QdeB’s [Études sur les maladies actuelles du ver à soie (1860)].

Has failed to find French publisher for Origin.