Asks to borrow W. C. Hewitson’s book [British oology, 2 vols. (1831–44)].

CD is searching for reliable information on slight variations in the degree of perfection of nests of the same species of birds.

Thanks WDF for information on blackbirds’ nests [see Natural selection, p. 505].

Problem of choosing from among the load of curious facts for chapter on "Instinct" [Natural selection, ch. 10; Origin, ch. 7] perplexes him.

Asks about behaviour of chicks in danger and whether crossed animals are wilder than either parent.

Thanks for Hewitson [British oology].

Has found more variability in birds’ nests than he expected.

Interested in WDF’s note about turkey terrified by a frog [see Natural selection, p. 488 n.].

WDF’s nephew has forgotten to mention the most important element, whether the lizards’ eggs floated and stayed alive on sea-water.

Thanks for facts about turkeys and terrier [see Natural selection, p. 481 n.].

Asks WDF for facts about stripes in horses and ponies.

Health has been very bad.

Will be most curious to hear results of WDF’s experiment with a kite and turkey chicks "by themselves".

If WDF ever sees a striped dun horse, he should ascertain colour of dam and sire.

Gives his opinion of the charges against E. W. Lane.

Profoundly sorry for Lane.

Thanks WDF for facts about call ducks, pigs, and Leicester sheep.

Has been observing and experimenting on the construction of bees’ cells. Thinks he has a theory which simplifies the problem.

Scarlet fever in family; nurse ill.

Baby [Charles Waring Darwin] died of scarlet fever on 28 June. "Fear has almost driven away grief."

After all, CD is now beginning to prepare an abstract of his species theory. Recounts the events leading to joint paper with A. R. Wallace at Linnean Society. Lyell and Hooker urge strongly that he publish a fuller abstract. It is impossible to do justice to subject in an abstract.

His sister, Marianne Parker, has died.

Has suggested WDF’s name to Hooker and Henslow, who are sending a circular for aid to John Ralfs.

Is working steadily at his abstract, hopes to publish in spring.

Asks if WDF has seen a donkey with double shoulder stripe; also, has he seen a black greyhound with tan feet and a tan spot over each eye? "Such must exist because theory tells me it ought!"