Mr Hardy, CD’s tenant at Beesby, has spent £105 on improvements to the farm. JH suggests different ways of recompensing the tenant, and asks for CD’s decision.

Cites cases of leguminous plants whose cleistogamic flowers produce more seed than perfect flowers. [See Forms of flowers, p. 326.]

Informs CD that in his experience with peas he has never found the seed to deteriorate.

Lists plants of Metia or Aurora Island collected during visit in Sept 1839. Flora same as that of neighbouring Tahiti.

Results of crosses in Phlox.

Replies to CD’s questions regarding impregnation of peas, beans, cabbages, and other plants by insects, wind, etc.

Spoke too harshly about CD’s involvement in nomenclatural reform.

JDH used to think CD "too prone to theoretical considerations about species", hence was pleased CD took up a difficult group like barnacles. CD’s theories have progressed but JDH not converted. Sikkim has not cleared up his doubts about CD’s doctrines.

Argument with Falconer.

"Resolved that the Secretary be requested to ask Mr. Darwin if he would agree to the publication of his work [Living Cirripedia] in parts."

In response to CD’s letter [see 1364] the Secretary is instructed to request that he send a specimen plate to James de Carle Sowerby for estimate of cost.

Falconer’s misbehaviour.

Geology of Khashia [Khasi] mountains. Speculations on mountain building and origin of Himalayas.

Gives his opinion that the larval antennae in Lepas correspond with the inferior antennae, the superior not present, as in most Daphnidae. [See 1381.]

Sends record of pigeon flight from London to Antwerp. [Lord W. Lennox, Merrie England (1857), p. 185.]

Wants catalogue of small islands that contain peculiar plants. Thinks complete floras of islands in various stages of depression [subsidence] would provide good data.

MS of a paper called "Comments on Mr Darwin’s grand theory", which generally supports CD but proposes that present flightless birds are primitive. Paper supplemented by a diagram showing the phylogeny of birds.

HW has confirmed the report in the Times of a shower of fish (minnows and sticklebacks) that fell on the Wedgwood colliery.

Provides another case of apparently pure bred pointers producing litter with one setter puppy. Correspondent was told that this occurred in several litters; gives names of owners and others who can corroborate the information.

Is hopeful about Anne after receiving an encouraging message.

Gives her reactions to CD’s reports on Anne’s health.

Discusses Anne’s sickness and her hope.

Thanks CD for his Monday notes about Anne, which are much better than previous ones.