Thanks for interesting letter which confirms belief that a good observer is a good theorist.

He is glad to hear that HWB, with his wide knowledge of natural history, has anticipated CD in many respects and agrees with the Origin.

Has been thoroughly attacked, especially by entomologists – J. O. Westwood, T. V. Wollaston, and Andrew Murray.

Glad HWB is writing on "equatorial refrigeration"; CD expresses his belief in north to south migration during glacial period.

JD’s letter of 17 Sept about Leschenaultia not seeding is surprising. CD’s experiments point to insects which, though perhaps not indispensable to their fertilisation, are useful to it. Would like to know whether the flower of Leschenaultia is visited by bees or other insects.

JD’s offer to send seeds of Distylis and the other genus is of greatest possible interest.

Has had a good letter from Robert McDonnell. Thinks he will be converted in time.

Impatient to see first number of Natural History Review.

Murray wants a new edition of Origin immediately.

Asks how soon he must send proofs [of Origin, 3d ed.] to printer. His corrections would not take more than three weeks. The longest job will be to glance over the endless reviews to guide him in his corrections.