Expresses his admiration for HF’s review of Origin in Macmillan’s Magazine (Fawcett 1860).

Discusses GCW’s Notes on the presence of animal life at vast depths [1860]. Asks for information on the decay of exuviae of organisms at bottom of sea. Has GCW reason to believe extensive areas of sea-bottom are bare? Is he sure rounded pebbles were not dropped by icebergs? Curious that water at such depths retains oxygen.

"You could not possibly have told me anything which would have given me more satisfaction than what you say about Mr. Mill’s opinion." [See 2868.]

Comments on MS of HF’s address ["On the method of Mr Darwin in his treatise on the origin of species", Rep. BAAS (1861) pt 2: 141–3]. "How odd it is that anyone should not see that all observation must be for or against some view if it is to be of any service."

Describes his health.

The response to his views in Germany, Holland, and Russia.

Gives permission to insert in his magazine anything from CD’s works.