Thanks JSH for specimens. Comments on the structure of a hornet comb and asks JSH to obtain some fresh combs for him and to make observations for him. He is greatly interested in "these wondrous architectural instincts".
Regrets SC’s increasing deafness, but advises that aurists are humbugs.
Tells of illnesses in family and his own poor health. "I never know 24 hours comfort."
At work on abstract.
Continues argument on effectiveness of dispersal. Has doubts about relationship of isolation to highness of Australian flora. Questions about survival of European plants introduced in Australia.
CD receives the Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society.
Acknowledges the honour that the Council [of the Geological Society] have conferred upon him [award of Wollaston Medal]. Will attend the anniversary meeting if his health permits, but cannot attend the dinner.
Darwin encloses letters from ARW, and expresses admiration for the spirit in which they were written. Darwin thanks Hooker and Lyell for their intervention in the joint reading of ARW and Darwin’s papers at the Linnean Society in 1858. Darwin makes enquiries about the geology of the Himalayas.
Wallace has written and is well satisfied with the joint presentation.
CD requests some facts to make case in his abstract for former glacial action in Himalayas.
No summary available.
Expresses pleasure and relief at ARW’s response to joint publication of their pieces about natural selection.
Plans for the "abstract" [Origin].
Birds’ nests as evidence of variation of instincts.
Their collection of bees’ combs.
Praises ARW’s article.
Lyell’s and Hooker’s views [of species issue].
CD not convinced that naturalisation of European plants abroad is strictly dependent on creation by agriculture of disturbed ground.
More than half through his chapter on geographical distribution.
