Writes of domestic matters

and asks WED to observe cart-horses for traces of dark stripes on spine and cross-stripes on shoulder.

CD intends to enter WED at Christ’s College.

Thanks him for inquiries made about horses.

Has been at Moor Park since Tuesday. Is passing his time watching ants.

Discusses bees’ cells

and WED’s botanical interests.

Relates events at home;

hopes WED gets the scholarship.

Has come to heavy grief about bees’ cells, unless Huber is wrong [François Huber, New observations on the natural history of bees, new ed. (1841)].

Discusses cart-horses and stripes on a Belgiman [Belgian?].

Relates domestic affairs.

Thinks his bees’ cell theory will hold good.

Discusses domestic affairs.

Is working at the abstract of his book [Origin].

Asks WED to examine birds’ feet for dirt sticking to them, as this may represent a means of seed dispersal across seas.

Sends £20. Family news.

Answers WED’s questions about CD’s Journal of researches: Galapagos "productions" all came from America, but "they have since been modified by my principle of Natural Selection".

Writes to WED about his living arrangements at Christ’s College; reminisces about his own Cambridge days.

Glad WED has begun under George Henslow in the way that he has. CD wishes he had had such practice under J. S. Henslow.

Has had luck in his search for striped horses.

Sends WED a bank draft.

Discusses matters relating to WED’s first term [at Cambridge].

Approves of WED’s moving into CD’s old rooms [at Christ’s College]. Gives fatherly advice on Cambridge’s temptation to idleness. Christmas plans.

Health poor of late.