Repeats extracts of a letter received from Bishop Stirling’s daughter containing anecdotes and observations of the Fuegian natives.

Returns BJS’s Christmas good wishes.

The progress of Tierra del Fuego is almost as wonderful as that of Japan.

Is sorry to hear about Mellersh.

Lends BJS Titus Coan’s Adventures in Patagonia [1880].

Thanks him for copies of the missionary journal.

Thanks CD for the loan of a book;

discusses his family’s health and other domestic affairs.

Is collecting annual subscriptions for the support of J[emmy] FitzRoy Button. Has only just been told of the death of Miss [Sarah Elizabeth] Wedgwood.

Gives news of some former Beagle crew members.

Wonders whether CD can explain why white muscat grapes growing between two black grapevines have started turning black on ripening but retain the muscat flavour.

BJS’s case is one of the direct action of the pollen of one variety on the mother plant of another variety. Gives references to analogous cases.