Thanks CD for his contribution to the memoir of Henslow [L. Jenyns, Memoir of the Rev. John Stevens Henslow (1862)].
Sends proof-sheets of CD’s contribution to LJ’s Memoir of Henslow.
CD has sent to printer proofs of his contribution to Memoir of Henslow.
Discusses possibility of publishing the zoology of the voyage of the Beagle. Will need help from more able naturalists. Would LJ object to describing the fishes for such a work rather than for scientific journals? Is working on his Beagle journal.
Thanks LJ for Memoir of Henslow; thinks it will be invaluable as an example to other clergymen.
Pleased with CD’s opinion of the Henslow Memoir [L. Jenyns, Memoir of the Rev. John Stevens Henslow (1862)]
CD is glad LJ is describing the fishes [for Zoology]; would not have permitted J. E. Gray to describe them. New species will be lithographed.
Suggests books; offers coloured drawings made by artist on Beagle voyage.
Is sorry the fish [for Zoology] give LJ so much trouble. Urges him not to give up. Describes publication plan of Zoology.
Discusses details of LJ’s part of Zoology [Fish].
CD is working hard on Coral reefs.
Informs LJ that Yarrell has recommended B. W. Hawkins to do the plates [for Fish]. Discusses arrangements to be made, number of plates, etc. Answers LJ’s questions about several specimens.
Discusses details of arrangements for descriptions and engravings [for Fish].
Details regarding Fish. CD is astonished how many new things LJ has found: "four new genera is something".
Has been unwell. Publication of two numbers [of Zoology] has been delayed. Thought first Fish number good.
Health is improved, but would do anything to get strong again. Is consulting his father; will return to London soon to see B. W. Hawkins.
Will send MS [of Fish, no. 2] to the printer, and be there when LJ comes.
Asks LJ which British birds are polygamous. His query relates to the possession by the male of secondary sexual characters.
CD is also interested in the numerical proportion of the sexes in birds.
Asks about the use of the horns in male lamellicorn or coprophagous beetles.
On polygamous birds and the pairing of birds. Late singing of males. [see Descent 2: 107.]
Thanks LJ for his useful facts. Will "look to" the reference about the nightingale.
LJ has had a letter from R. T. Lowe in Madeira who thinks Scorpaena histrio, a species from Galapagos described in no. 1 [of Fish], is the same as the one in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. LJ does not think it is possible.
Doctors predict it will take years for CD’s constitution to recover.
Details regarding volume on Fish.
Sends notes on Diodon.
Must give up attending Geological Society evening meetings; knocks him up.