Thanks for Thomson’s and JDH’s views on Scott’s paper. Will send it back with advice and explanations.

Lists works JH should have received. Asks JH to take another look in his library. Has received more on meteors. Sees no objection to a higher terrestrial atmosphere. Will send Histoire des sciences mathématique et physique chez les belges.

Introduces Cholmondely Pennell of the Admiralty, who wants to speak to CD about a literary matter.

Encloses proposed resolution to controversy over whether to build railway tunnel under park. Will be unable to attend meeting because of chronic bronchitis.

Lists works sent to JH. Discusses hypothesis concerning meteors and the atmosphere. Mentions his work 'Sur la physique du globe.' Cites Mr. Bravais. Attaches note sent to AQ by Royal Academy of Brussels, listing works JH should have received. Encloses list of errata for the Bulletin de l'académie royale de belgique, ser. 2, 15, No. 6.

CD’s statement in Origin that clover is utterly dependent on humble-bee for fertilisation has been questioned by his friend’s evidence of visits by other insects. Asks CD’s opinion.

Has heard from Mr Pennell, and written to say too ill to see him. Would like to hear about skin between toes of otter hounds in comparison with other hounds.

Further regarding the southern comet; does not think it can be the 1843 one until he receives further observations.

Expresses pleasure at signs of CD’s recovery.

HWB’s work on the identification of species of the genus Colobthea; relates the large number of modifications that occur in the sexual organs of closely allied species. Does not doubt that this contributes greatly to multiplication of species in nature.

JL’s MS at printer’s [Prehistoric times (1865)].

Apologises for failure to post letter.

Interested by HD’s information on aperea; CD had concluded that it was not the progenitor of domestic guinea-pigs.

Is unsure what HD means by "stock-dove"; properly this is Columba oenas and the domestic pigeon is C. livia.

Suggests that the Zoological Society might arrange for some specimens [unspecified] to be supplied from the Gardens.

Thanks CD for subscribing to the Cybele Hibernica.

Reports some observations made on the common buffaloes of India seen swimming and diving in 12ft of floodwater in order to crop the herbage beneath.

Visitors Board will meet to discuss railway companies' proposal to remove Greenwich Observatory to another site. Includes copy of Warren de La Rue's letter to ES.

Regarding certain passages in JH's Cape Observations.

Thanks for note explaining refusal to undertake another new subject, JS's mathematical paper. Updates on algebra books.

Mentions Miss Buckley’s information on roosting in trees [see Variation 1: 181 n.].

Refers to Duke [of Argyll] and his Lamarckian view of change.

Roosting habits and behaviour of pigeons in Egypt.

Criticises Herbert Spencer’s works.

Has finished Elements; comments on Laurentian stages.

Remarks on his health

and forthcoming work [Variation].

On the physical structure of the sun's surface.

Thanks for fact about the buffalo diving.

Asks whether the animal was a Bos or a Bubalus.

Sends copies of the Field containing all the pigeon articles [see 4785].

Luke Wells will undertake engravings for Variation.

Comments on BDW’s papers ["On certain entomological speculations of the New England school of naturalists", Proc. Entomol. Soc. Philadelphia 3 (1864): 207–49; "On insects inhabiting the galls of certain species of willow", ibid. 3 (1864): 543–644]; much is new to CD.

Asks about wide-ranging insect genera,

Rocky Mt. wingless insects,

willow hybrids,

galls,

and other subjects.