Etty [Henrietta Darwin] very ill with diphtheria.

Death of Charles Waring Darwin [1856–8] from scarlet fever.

JDH’s and Lyell’s kindness [presumably about A. R. Wallace’s letter]. CD can provide a copy of his letter to Asa Gray [about CD’s species theory].

JDH wants papers at once. CD sends Wallace’s paper and CD’s abstract of his letter to Asa Gray. Sends [species] sketch of 1844 with JDH’s notes to assure JDH he had read it.

Thanks JDH for his report on the reading of the Wallace and Darwin papers at the Linnean Society [read 1 July 1858; Collected papers 2: 3–19]. Considers how to publish his work. Offers to forward a note from JDH to Wallace.

JDH’s letter to Wallace perfect. CD’s feelings about priority. Without Lyell’s and JDH’s intervention CD would have given up all claims to Wallace. Now planning 30-page abstract for a journal.

Observations on floral structure

and slave-making ants.

Regards from Isle of Wight.

Correcting proof for CD–Wallace paper. Has begun abstract.

Large and small genera.

Six children have died of scarlet fever in Down village.

Writing abstract is amusing and improving work. Thanks JDH and Lyell for setting him to it.

Working on abstract, which now is to consist of a number of sections each to be read at Linnean Society and to be published as a unit. Has finished section on variation under domestication.

Thanks JDH for stylistic corrections on MS of large and small genera.

Observations, while walking along headlands, on thistle-down blown out to sea and then blown inland.

Answers CD’s query about distribution of European perennials in the highlands of Java.

Asks whether there are dogs in Spain like English pointers.

Abstract growing to inordinate length.

Writing in support of S. Passell as assistant at Linnean Society.

Thanks JDH and Lyell for the actions they have taken with respect to ARW’s and CD’s papers. Considers himself fortunate to have been given any merit for his work. Is pleased that his correspondence has led to the earlier publication of CD’s work. It would have caused him "much pain & regret" if CD had made ARW’s paper public unaccompanied by his own views.

Abstract will run into a small volume.

Urges JDH not to reject natural selection until he has read abstract.

[Enclosed are CD’s comments on a ?JDH manuscript that perhaps belong elsewhere.]

Fertilisation of papilionaceous flowers [Collected papers 2: 19–25].

JDH’s reactions to CD’s theory.

Discussed human fossil evidence with Hugh Falconer.

Memorial concerning British Museum collection. CD opposes removing the natural history collection of the British Museum to Kensington.

On moving the natural history collection of the British Museum to Kensington.

Subscription for John Ralfs.

Lyell receives Copley Medal; CD to write notes for JDH’s éloge of Lyell.

Hermaphrodite trees are enough to "knock" CD down. Can JDH observe Eucalyptus to see whether pollen and stigma mature at same time?

JDH’s facts showing European plants are more common in southern Australia than in South America are disturbing because they are improbable on CD’s views of migration.

JDH said he would give examples of Australian forms that have migrated north along the mountains of the Malay Archipelago.