Sends Catalogue [of the collection of fossils in the Museum of Practical Geology (1865)], most of which was written in pre-Darwinian epoch [i.e., 1857].

Hears magnum opus [Variation] completely developed, though not yet born.

On FitzRoy’s suicide.

The Lyell–Ramsay disagreement [on formation of lakes?].

Reports on the funeral of Robert FitzRoy.

His own health has deteriorated and he must give up his work.

CD and ED bequeath an annuity of £50 to J. Parslow [the Darwins’ butler].

Reports Lincoln’s murder.

The end of Civil War is in sight.

Must look at dimorphism in Plantago.

Sends fresh plants from France: Lythrum graefferi, Romulea.

Does CD know Pulmonaria is dimorphic?

All overworked at Kew.

Burchell collections enormous.

Lyell has sent MS of Principles p. 111 on changes of temperature. JDH thinks Lyell blunders and is out of his depth.

Charmed with E. B. Tylor’s book on man [Early history of mankind (1865)],

disappointed in Lubbock’s [Prehistoric times (1865)].

Glad to read what CD sends. Any glimmer of light on those subjects is of utmost importance.

Quotes a letter from Haeckel on progress of Darwinism in Germany.

Describes the floral structure of the lupin and gives his observations on its pollination by bees.

Discusses several subjects, including examples of "Unity of coloration",

the origin of gall-producing poison,

Wagner’s theory of viviparous larvae,

and stridulation in insects.

Sends a reference supporting CD’s statement in Origin that flies check propagation of horses and cattle.

Impressed by Fritz Müller’s argument for natural selection in air-breathing apparatus of crustaceans ["The Darwinian hypothesis supported by observations on Crustacea", Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 3d ser. 15 (1865): 410–16].

Plans to visit CD.

Requests CD’s photograph.

Would like to call on CD for an hour or so before leaving London to settle in Bournemouth.