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.

Regards [W. Kemp’s] plant as clearly only Atriplex patula, though with "an unusual habit".

Adds report on success of his Roman tomb exhibit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Describes growth of plants raised from seeds he found in sand-pit.

Congratulations on JDH’s safe return.

Henslow has sent CD’s S. American plants to JDH for examination.

CD is pleased with how good a case WK’s facts have made.

Approves of the paper CD has drawn up concerning WK’s seed discovery.

Mentions article in Gardeners’ Chronicle.

Thanks for use of CD’s collection.

Comments and queries on the botany of the Southern Hemisphere.

Looks forward to seeing CD’s Galapagos plants.

Robert Brown has cast much doubt on the integrity of the seed-planting experiment.

Thanks SD for some furniture. Describes arrangement of furnishing at Down and work carried out on the grounds. Children are "very full of their approaching lessons".

Describes circumstances surrounding discovery of seed in sand-pit. Encloses certificates testifying to the good character of the men involved.

Has sent WK’s paper to the Annals and Magazine of Natural History (Kemp 1844).

Thanks father for loan. Explains difficulty of acquiring the land through which the approach to Down House now runs.

Chalcidites collected by CD are all similar to those of Europe. Mentions other specimens quite different from European forms.