Discusses classification of animals. Degree of affinity different for different taxonomic groups. Discusses affinity of Ornithorhynchus or Echidna to reptiles.

Brain of whale is highly developed; on differences among brains of Quadrumana.

Calls CD’s attention to an article about William Herbert’s hybrid Narcissus.

Explains what he means when he attempts a "natural classification", defining his words and using man as a standard; gives examples. Classification of Aptera and Diptera.

Discusses his discharge from the Zoological Society. Is to see Robert Brown about the British Museum position.

Much interested in CD’s communication [about W. Kemp] and seeds sent; does not know the species; has sent seeds to Henslow.

Describes a monstrous plant found near Ely.

Describes germination of seeds found in sand-pit and the geological setting of the sand-pit.

Postulates existence of ancient lake along the course of the River Tweed. Notes evidence of glaciation.

Thinks W. Kemp’s specimens are all common varieties of living species of Atriplex.

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.

Thanks CD for kind letter concerning seeds. Believes soil in which they were planted was contaminated.

Describes growth of plants raised from seeds he found in sand-pit.

Approves of the paper CD has drawn up concerning WK’s seed discovery.

Mentions article in Gardeners’ Chronicle.

Thanks for use of CD’s collection.

Comments and queries on the botany of the Southern Hemisphere.

Looks forward to seeing CD’s Galapagos plants.

Describes circumstances surrounding discovery of seed in sand-pit. Encloses certificates testifying to the good character of the men involved.

Chalcidites collected by CD are all similar to those of Europe. Mentions other specimens quite different from European forms.

Henslow has sent him CD’s Galapagos plants along with Macrae’s. JDH impressed by the island endemism, which "overturns all our preconceived notions" on centres of radiation. Describes the extent, and the sharp demarcation at longitude 60° W, of the American and European Northern Hemisphere floras. CD’s plants among those he is using to do Antarctic flora. Drimys winteri shows a graded series of states down the length of the South American continent.

Sends calculations of angles of elevation [of sea-bottom, for South America?].

Swale has sent Lady Willoughby’s diary, which EAD will forward to CD.

Describes stratification of cliffs on south shore of Rio Gallegos; fossils found at base of cliffs. Speculates about geological past of the area. Discusses climate of southern Patagonia; navigation problems at the mouth of Rio Gallegos.

Gives results of soundings taken between Falkland Islands and South American mainland. Describes geology of Falklands, especially the dikes found on many islands. Comments on climate of Falklands. Discusses horses and cattle, health of his children in the Falklands. Mentions volutes found in the Falklands.

Passes on report of FitzRoy’s policies as governor of New Zealand.

Remarks on geographical divisions of the flora of the Southern Hemisphere.

JDH beginning Galapagos plants. Value of studying insular floras with respect to inquiries about adaptation of species.

Island floras; relationships with mainland. Ranges of species in mundane genera.

Galapagos plants one-third done.