Will try to procure specimens of native rat and frog for CD. Will be glad to make observations for him.

Cites case of a species of duck that normally nests on ground but builds in trees if disturbed.

Sends copy of his December letter [see 3851], which he fears is lost.

Has been in the Southern Alps and has discovered a wonderful pass.

Thanks CD for letter [3935].

Encloses report [missing] of his latest expedition [to west coast], which had a grand result.

In a forthcoming paper JvH will show geological age of the world to be "incalculable" and will confirm CD’s theory that "the old system of chronological sequence of formations all over the world must be abandoned in a great degree".

Predicts the links between species, genera, and classes will be found.

CD elected an Honorary Member [of Philosophical Institute of Canterbury].

Sends a map of the province of Canterbury, marking his own and other explorations.

Inquires about CD’s health.

Expects to publish an account of his journeys soon.

Asks CD’s support for his Royal Society candidacy.

Goldfields he discovered are now being worked.

Thanks CD for photograph.

JvH will send his notes on origin of species;

he is now writing a paper on glacier period of the New Zealand west coast, and his account of the highly glaciated headwater region of the Rakaia River is being printed.

Thanks CD for his efforts on behalf of JvH’s Royal Society candidacy.

Is at work on a large-scale map of the Southern Alps [of New Zealand].

The ever-growing goldfields and their effect on the country.

JvH will help with expression queries. Considers CD’s investigation highly important and original. Sends list of men to whom he is sending copies of the questions.

JvH forwards J. Stack’s replies to CD’s queries about expression [see Expression, p. 20].

Sends photos of skeletons of six species of Dinornis he is assembling for the Museum.

Sends a passage relevant to Pangenesis [on regional accents distinguishable in the speech of those born deaf] from Life, letters, and journals of George Ticknor [ed. G. S. Hillard, vol. 1 (1876)], p. 196.

Tells of the controversy about evolution raging in Dunedin, with clergy playing a prominent part.