Discusses arthropod structure and the nature of the corium.
Discusses shipment of skins of carrier pigeons.
Has received nine skins from Walter Elliot of Madras; WBT may describe them if he wishes.
Expects some Persian fowls.
Can WBT inquire about the fertility of certain duck hybrids?
Illnesses of Mrs Horner and Emma Darwin.
Death of Sarah Elizabeth Wedgwood.
Mentions work on his "Big Book" [Natural selection].
Remarks on J. A. H. de Bosquet’s discovery of a Chthamalus in the Chalk.
CD relieved by JDH’s positive response to his MS.
CD continues observations on means of transport.
JDH’s Raoul Island paper [J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Bot.) 22 (1857): 133–41], showing continuity of vegetation with New Zealand, best evidence yet of continental extension.
Describes the funeral of Aunt Sarah [Elizabeth Wedgwood].
CD finds JDH’s objections to a mundane cold period significant, and he endeavours to show how they do not rule out mutability.
He is writing on crossing.
Asks JM for four copies of his Journal of researches [2d ed.] at wholesale price. Also asks for total number of copies sold.
Defers a visit with Lieutenant Blakiston; "my wife is out of health & expects her confinement in a few weeks, & I cannot possibly receive any one here or leave home . . ."
CD encloses letter from Asa Gray, although it is critical of JDH.
Role of struggle in forming species in retreat from advancing glaciers.
Obliged for JWL’s note [missing]. Will forward it to Mr Wedgwood.
Remarks, "it was … blunder of A. Woods about your wanting the Furniture."
Is very glad to hear of the increased rent. Prefers lien agreement with tenant, Mr Hardy.
Emma’s illness prevents his attending Philoperisteron [pigeon fanciers’ club].
Expects larger collection of skins from West Africa.
Thanks for gift [of books requested in 1026]. Sale is a good deal more than he had anticipated.
CD, attempting to clarify debate, states more of his position. External conditions cause "mere variability". Formation of species due to selection. Relation of an organism to its associates far more important than external conditions.
Variability of naturalised plants.
Distribution of Arctic/alpine plant species.
Limits to the northern range of plants.
Writes about suitable mourning clothes and sale of house [Petleys, after death of Sarah Elizabeth Wedgwood I].
Asks GB for help in clearing up his problems about Leguminosae, in connection with his "wild bit of speculation on the crossing of plants" [see Natural selection, p. 71].
Thanks for promise of rabbit carcase and for information about rabbit at Zoological Society’s Garden.
Requests correspondent to ask Mr Vivian for carcase of an old "Creve-coeur" cock. CD has found that the skull in this breed is modified to support its comb.
Has received some poultry from various parts of the world.
CD is glad that WBT is describing the birds that he acquires.