Says he is forwarding the Smith, Elder & Co. account to the Treasury. Discusses advertisements of Zoology and Coral reefs. Volcanic islands "is almost ready for press".
The work of the Zoology is now completed. The Smith, Elder & Co. account for the second number of part five is presented. CD expresses his "grateful thanks" to the Lords Commissioners.
Note of hand, signed by CD, for £260 13s 6d.
News of the Shrewsbury family. He cannot get his father to sympathise with the numbness in his finger ends or his fears of "ruin and extravagance".
CD has written to W. Kemp to ascertain what precautions he took in sowing his seeds. "It will be rather flat if you … pronounce the Atriplex to be merely a variety". Suggests sending plants to C. C. Babington.
J. S. Henslow expresses his doubts about WK’s seeds.
Describes germination of seeds he discovered. Cites similar story of seeds found in coal-mine.
Gives further description of gravel bank [of River Tweed] and other geological details.
Regards [W. Kemp’s] plant as clearly only Atriplex patula, though with "an unusual habit".
Adds report on success of his Roman tomb exhibit.
Identifies Atriplex raised from seeds found by W. Kemp as A. angustifolia.
Treasury ready to make payment [for Zoology plates].
Congratulates GRW on appointment to position at British Museum.
J. S. Henslow’s and C. C. Babington’s opinions on WK’s seeds.
Thanks CD for kind letter concerning seeds. Believes soil in which they were planted was contaminated.
CD has been reflecting on John Lindley’s and C. C. Babington’s comments.
Babington has reared a facsimile [of W. Kemp’s Atriplex] by sowing seeds of A. angustifolia. CD has advised Kemp not to publish since anyone would say it was more probable that the seeds of his specimens were in the soil, than that the ones he found had retained vitality. CD regrets this, as he has no doubt of the antiquity of the seeds.
Describes growth of plants raised from seeds he found in sand-pit.
Congratulations on JDH’s safe return.
Henslow has sent CD’s S. American plants to JDH for examination.
Family news and their quiet life at Down.
CD is pleased with how good a case WK’s facts have made.
Approves of the paper CD has drawn up concerning WK’s seed discovery.
Mentions article in Gardeners’ Chronicle.
