Discusses CD’s Glen Roy paper; would like to see the theory put beyond dispute. Tells of Mr Stables’ observations on the parallel roads. Discusses geological features of Scotland which he is sure are marine in origin.

Sends specimens from Indian Ocean atolls.

Poor health has made him give up all geological work.

Profits on their volumes [of Narrative] seem absurdly small.

Looks back on Beagle voyage as the most fortunate circumstance in his life.

Finds marriage a great happiness.

An amusing description of his railway journey to Shrewsbury.

Thanks CD for a copy of his Journal of researches which is "not second in interest and instruction to any work of the kind I have ever read".

CD has read WK’s abstract in the Scotsman, 15 February 1840, p. 3, and asks for further details.

Gives CD the results of some calculations for "dip" over different distances, as requested.

Encloses a copy of his Glen Roy paper. Asks for more details of Kemp’s work on the terraces of the Eildon hills.

Describes an orange tree with curious "horned" fruit; sends specimen. Asks if the horns represent "metamorphoses of some organ into the fruit orange".

Reference to W. Smellie’s Natural history [1791] requested by CD.

Would like further experimentation to confirm report about germination of wheat from Egyptian tombs. Sir G. Wilkinson may have been deceived by the Arabs.

Reports on abortive anthers in flowers of thyme sent by CD.

LJ has had a letter from R. T. Lowe in Madeira who thinks Scorpaena histrio, a species from Galapagos described in no. 1 [of Fish], is the same as the one in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. LJ does not think it is possible.

Reports observations on the behaviour of captive harvest mouse and dormouse. When descending sticks mouse uses its tail like a prehensile-tailed monkey.

Tells WAL where specimen of Cynoglossum sylvaticum may be seen growing.

Family news. Mainly concerned about Doddy’s [W. E. Darwin’s] health.

The happy family life at Shrewsbury. CD is looking so well his father would not have known there was anything the matter with him. The year’s accounts come to £1380.

Regrets not seeing CD before leaving on trip [to the U. S.]. CD’s move from London will be a privation for CL.

Returns charts on coral reefs.

The family gardener reports on seeds he has gathered. RWD transmits the letter.

Has seen lately a true ruminant with the two central metacarpals distinct. It was the foot of an Anoplotherium in a recent ruminant.