Thanks for BJS’s account of the Fuegians. CD would have predicted that "not all the missionaries in the world could have done what has been done".
Thanks for BJS’s account of the Fuegians. CD would have predicted that "not all the missionaries in the world could have done what has been done".
Gives further details on his grapes.
Tells of his recent movements and state of health.
BJS’s grape case is a mystery.
CD is still able to work a little but does not expect to do much more of any interest to naturalists.
The death of his brother [E. A. Darwin] was a heavy loss.
Has looked at BJS’s grapes. Can give no explanation of the case.
BJS is looking forward to reading the life of Lyell [K. M. Lyell, Life, letters and journals of Sir Charles Lyell, 2 vols. (1881)].
Sends his subscription for the adopted Fuegian [James FitzRoy Button].
Feels very old and wishes he could be idle but finds himself miserable without any daily work.
Is reading Lyell’s biography [K. M. Lyell (1881)].
BJS’s son has seen six Fuegians being exhibited in Berlin; BJS hopes that they might be bought from their master and returned to Tierra del Fuego.
The only mainland vegetation he saw on Falkland Island shores were trees. Remembers no strange birds there, but on journey home saw a woodcock more than 500 miles from the nearest land.
Thanks BJS for account of Mendoza earthquake.
FitzRoy sent CD the last London Review [& Weekly J. Polit.] and he read the article on Genesis, but feels it is an attempt to reconcile the irreconcilable.
J. C. Wickham and Arthur Mellersh are in town and BJS wonders whether there is any chance CD might join them.
Hopes to visit CD with Mellersh and Wickham the week after next.
If Wickham remains in town and CD is well enough, BJS thinks they might come about the 22d.
Arranges to come to Down on the 21st if CD is well enough.
Confirms arrangements for his trip to Down.
Thinks he may be appointed Commodore commanding the Squadron on the west coast of S. America. Wishes to leave England for his health’s sake.
Sends some tickets so that CD’s son might see [an unspecified] model.
Reports arrival at Falklands; weather conditions, and unsuccessful search he made for a geological formation CD had seen. Describes cliffs, streams, rocks, and lines of elevation; includes two drawings.
Has six months’ leave from the Admiralty because of his health; intends going to Europe for four months.
BJS’s health much improved by his continental tour.
Reports on the funeral of Robert FitzRoy.
His own health has deteriorated and he must give up his work.