The most experienced botanists argue for the "validity of species in nature". Against taxonomic "splitters".

CD’s Cape Tres Montes plants.

Going to Shrewsbury on Monday.

Means to attempt the question of species: "though I shall get more kicks than half-pennies, I will, life serving, attempt my work".

Thanks for Journal of researches.

Puzzled over pea flower from Cape Tres Montes.

Thinks species a fair and most profitable subject for discussion, but has no formed opinion of his own.

Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt] has arrived safely.

CD acknowledges his presumption in speculating on variation without having worked out his due share of species, but "for nine years it has been anyhow the greatest amusement to me".

Sends a list of the work he feels should be done at Beesby [Lincolnshire] to put the farm in order. Hopes to get purchase deeds completed by 10 October.

Sorry to hear JDH did not get Edinburgh chair. Invites him to Down.

Would like to see JDH’s testimonials.

Disappointed with Kosmos.

Has visited Dean of Manchester, who is very heterodox on species.

Comments on book by George Grey [Journals of two expeditions of discovery in north-west and Western Australia (1841)]. "The whole expedition was that of a set of School Boys".

Thanks for Antarctic flora [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].

Agrees geographical distribution will be "the key which will unlock the mystery of species".

Could JDH look over a rough sketch on species?

Comments on JDH’s Flora Antarctica. CD is delighted with it.

"I can never cease marvelling at the similarity of the Antarctic floras: it is wonderful."

Questions JDH on points raised by the work: absence of alpine flora on southern islands; comparison of climate and floras of Tasmania and New Zealand.

Answers CD’s queries arising from Flora Antarctica.

Would like CD to come to town and go over Galapagos plants with him.

Is busy with shell work and cannot make it to Kew. Invites JDH to Down. Intends asking Edward Forbes and Hugh Falconer.

Can JDH come to Down on 6 December? If this is convenient, CD will ask Forbes, Falconer, and perhaps Waterhouse.

Delighted that JDH will come to visit him.

CD’s enjoyment of JDH’s visit and "all our raging discussions".

Would like to compare insects from Kerguelen Islands with those from Tierra del Fuego.