Thanks AdeC for his memoir ["Étude sur l’espèce", Ann. Sci. Nat. (Bot.) 4th ser. 18 (1862): 59–110].

CD astonished at the amount of variability in the oaks.

CD differs from most contemporaries in thinking that the vast continental extensions of Forbes, Heer, and others are not only advanced without sufficient evidence but are opposed to much weighty evidence.

AdeC’s comment on CD’s work [Origin] is generous.

CD is satisfied at the length AdeC goes with him and is not surprised at his prudent reservations. He remembers how many years it took him to change his old beliefs. The great point is to give up immutability. So long as species are thought immutable there can be no progress in "epiontology" [see ML 1: 234 n.]. CD is sure to be proved wrong in many points but the subject will have "a grand future".

In GA's absence, ES reports on the state of completion of the final copy of the nebula catalogue [see JH's 1863-1-13].

Gives details of calculations [for JH's catalogue of nebulae]. Three more weeks of work needed.

Has read JH's publication on volcanoes ['About Volcanoes and Earthquakes']. Comments on the formation of rocks and the creation of the world.

Thanks for a collection of poems; comments on lunar eclipses.

Asks for account of sales of Geology of "Beagle". Willing to consider offer for remaining stock in order to close account.

Thanks for a gift of £20.

Health.

Is sending information about Timor fossils to be forwarded to Hugh Falconer.