Returns MS [of "Variation of species"]; several facts were new to him, especially interested in wagtails.

Wishes he could swallow Florent Prévost on sparrows ["Du régime alimentaire des oiseaux", C. R. Hebd. Acad. Sci. 46 (1858): 136–8].

LJ’s facts seem to bear out CD’s conclusion that secondary sexual characters were most variable of all.

Explains how he intends to deal with variation, and general facts in natural history in the light of species theory. Can only afford one chapter on variation in nature. It seems more important to make out variation in domestic animals.

Asks for facts on birds’ nests for his chapter on instincts.

Has been at Moor Park since Tuesday. Is passing his time watching ants.

Has come to heavy grief about bees’ cells, unless Huber is wrong [François Huber, New observations on the natural history of bees, new ed. (1841)].

Discusses cart-horses and stripes on a Belgiman [Belgian?].

Relates domestic affairs.

Thinks his bees’ cell theory will hold good.

Discusses bees’ cells

and WED’s botanical interests.

Sends MS on large and small genera.

Observed slave-making ants at Moor Park.

Will be most curious to hear results of WDF’s experiment with a kite and turkey chicks "by themselves".

If WDF ever sees a striped dun horse, he should ascertain colour of dam and sire.

Inquires about the structure and formation of bees’ comb; is interested in seeing its form at the commencement of building.

[Six fragments, mainly diagrams.] The geometry of bees’ cells.

Relates events at home;

hopes WED gets the scholarship.

Arranges meeting with JDH at Thatched House Tavern.

Eager for JDH’s reaction to MS on large and small genera.

Arrangements for JDH to visit Down for weekend.

CD’s health has been poor owing to hard work [on Natural selection]. He has to treat of every branch of natural history, which is beyond his strength.

Reports that N. J. Andersson finds every European willow bar one is also American.

Has heard from David Livingstone and reports on his progress.

Gives calculations on the structure of bees’ cells.

CD’s receipt of diploma from Caesarea Leopoldino-Carolina Academy [Dresden].

Hopes to begin pigeon MS in a week.

Has lately been working on bees’ cells and wishes very much to examine a cylindrical one.

Discusses bees’ cells. Wants hive and swarm; would be glad to have WBT’s box with commenced cells. "I am partly a disciple of Waterhouse, but not wholly."

Pleased with JDH’s reaction to MS on large and small genera.

Confident of soundness of principle of divergence.

CD experimenting on pollination mechanism of Leguminosae. Asks JDH to investigate Fumariaceae.

Encloses projections and models relating to geometry of bees’ cells.