On classification and possibilities of a scientific morphology and zoology. CD’s "pedigree business" is important for physiology but has nothing to do with pure zoology any more than human pedigree has to do with the census. Zoological classification is a census of the animal world.
Thinks naturalists look for something further than Cuvier’s view of classification. Poses a theoretical problem on the classification of the races of man to prove that a genealogical system is best.
Asks JB to obtain information about pigeons.
Inquires where his article has been published ["On the discovery of Cnicus tuberosus at Avebury, Wilts.", Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 2d ser. 20 (1857): 337–9].
JSH’s Myosotis is beginning to sport. Asks whether some features are not odd.
Describes his experiments with kidney beans to test the agency of bees in their fertilisation. His results suggest they are essential.
Asks what George Swayne could mean by the advantage of artificial fertilisation of early beans [Trans. Hortic. Soc. Lond. 5 (1824): 208–13].
Has observed that hive-bees, which normally suck nectar from the flower of the kidney bean, will use holes cut through the calyx by humble-bees, though the holes cannot be seen from the mouth of the flower. Suggests hive-bees see humble-bees at work and understand what they are doing and "rationally" take advantage of the shorter path to the nectar. [See also 2359.]
Sends details on Myosotis sports. Feels sure he could make any flower in some degree monstrous in four or five generations.
Returns some of the systematics books borrowed from JDH. Will now take on A. P. and Alphonse de Candolle [Prodromus].
Arrangements for a visit.
Discusses the difficulties of breeding mules by crossing canaries and finches.
Return of books.
JDH coming to Down.
Describes his work, which demonstrates that hybrids of Cactus are fertile.
Writes concerning library books requested by CD.
Reports progress of work on the new rooms [at Down].
Discusses WED’s future education, the work on the extension, and other domestic affairs.
Has come to think his brains were not made for thinking – he immediately feels better when at Moor Park.
News of his family.