Returns notes on mule yaks [see Natural selection, p. 438]

and sends queries on silkworms.

A bed is ready any time HF will come.

Instructions for JDH’s trip to Down.

Change in train times.

Asks WBC if he will examine a specimen of calcareous rock.

[Notes on conversations with J. D. Hooker.] Geographical distribution; diffusion and distribution of species. Island and mountain floras; means of migration (high-roads, icebergs).

Thanks for botanico-geographical remarks. CD greatly appreciates JDH’s valuable generalisations.

Questions on JDH’s sketch comparing floras of Australia, New Zealand, and western S. America; wishes to know botanical relations between other southern islands. Botanico-geographical discussions and comments on books sent by JDH.

Arranges a time for visiting HF.

Sends specimens of a Tertiary sandstone from Tierra del Fuego in which there are leaves; CD thought they were beech. What is JDH’s opinion?

Asks whether JDH can make sense of a note on silicified wood.

Has read Vestiges [of creation (1844)]; "his geology strikes me as bad, & his zoology far worse".

Would like to see lists [of plants] from Society and Sandwich Islands.

Doubts JDH’s information regarding imagination of mother affecting offspring.

Would like copy of "Galapagos flora" when published ["Plants of the Galapagos Archipelago", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 20 (1851): 163–233].

Will keep JDH’s Pacific island notes till his return.

Mainly news of the three children.

CD sends queries on chemical composition of various Beagle mineral specimens.

Congratulates JDH and condoles with him on possible position at Edinburgh. Although CD will miss him bitterly, he encourages JDH to view it as a good opportunity.

Sorry to hear that Humboldt is failing.

Would like to borrow the pamphlet on variation [Frédéric Gérard, "De l’espèce dans les corps organisés" (1844), extract from Dictionnaire universel d’histoire naturelle, ed. C. D. d’Orbigny].

Glad to hear Humboldt’s views on migration. CD believes we cannot "put any limit to the possible and even probable migration of plants".

Wants good book on plant morphology.

Has received pamphlet from JDH [John Murray, Strictures on morphology (1845)].

Hopes JDH will enjoy Edinburgh.

Has just finished Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire on animal monsters [Anomalies de l’organisation chez l’homme et les animaux (1832–7)], "and a nasty curious subject it is".

Thanks for information about books.

Murray is publishing CD’s Journal of researches. Would be grateful for a sentence on Galapagos plants.

Returns specimens and drawings of Confervae with many thanks. Would appreciate any corrections for second edition of Journal of researches.

Returns notes on Confervae.

Has had information from Ehrenberg on organic forms in Atlantic dust.

Thanks for sketch of Galapagos flora.

JDH’s books have arrived safely.

Is sending him corrected MS of first part of Journal of researches [2d ed.].

Lyells have just visited.