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.

Tells how W. Kemp found the seeds of Atriplex, which Lindley sent to JSH for identification.

Asks about monstrous plant mentioned by Lindley [see 690].

Seeds sent by Kemp have germinated and been identified by Lindley as Rumex acetosella and an Atriplex which has been sent on to J. S. Henslow.

Thanks him for specimens collected.

Comments on JED’s voyage [on H.M.S. Terror, 1839–43].

Mentions activities of old Beagle crew.

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.

WK’s paper has reached him safely.

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.

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.