Sends names of species found in banks of marine shells near Buenos Aires. Shells identified by G. B. Sowerby (elder). [See South America, pp. 2–3.]

Says tuff collected by CD in Pampas and Chile contains organic remains. Wants to examine specimens further and hopes for Government support in doing so.

Describes stratification of cliffs on south shore of Rio Gallegos; fossils found at base of cliffs. Speculates about geological past of the area. Discusses climate of southern Patagonia; navigation problems at the mouth of Rio Gallegos.

Gives results of soundings taken between Falkland Islands and South American mainland. Describes geology of Falklands, especially the dikes found on many islands. Comments on climate of Falklands. Discusses horses and cattle, health of his children in the Falklands. Mentions volutes found in the Falklands.

Passes on report of FitzRoy’s policies as governor of New Zealand.

Sends comparison of the floras of Society and Sandwich Islands.

Reports on an ancient town on Ascension, which is now at sea-level and approachable only by boat.

Previous letter [missing] on Edinburgh position was ill-tempered. Friends assure him that he ought to be thankful for opportunity to try for professorship.

Reports meeting with Humboldt in Paris.

Sends results of chemical tests on specimens [of salt, see South America, pp. 73–5].

Encloses abstract from Justus Liebig on composition of bones and their ability to withstand decay.

Agrees that CD’s fossil shells do not differ from those ADd’O saw in South America. Apparent differences due to errors by G. B. Sowerby. Collection magnificent; recommends special publication. Enabled ADd’O to correct error in dating of sandstone of Concepción. Lists geological periods represented in collection from Jurassic to Diluvian. Collection includes unusual group of crepidules.

Identifications of CD’s fossil shells. New species marked; many described previously by ADd’O.

Sends information on Gryphaea orientalis. [See South America, p. 212.]

Encloses analysis of salt from Patagonia. Cannot account for its inferiority.

Comments on G. B. Sowerby’s identifications of South American fossil shells [812]. [Notes from more than one original memorandum].

Comments on a compass diagram designed to show the dip, strike, and anticlinal lines of a geological formation.

Discusses cleavage planes of mineralogical specimens.

Regrets J. D. Hooker did not visit Berlin.

Describes legal difficulties of Ernst Dieffenbach.

Lists species of Infusoria found in dust samples. Discusses origin of Atlantic dust. Discusses Infusoria in cosmetic paint from Tierra del Fuego and Patagonian earth. Thanks CD for samples. Would like samples from sea-bed.

Discusses chemical reaction involving common salt and carbonate of lime.

Reports that he has an offer of an estate of about 325 acres that CD may find suitable.

JDH recommends Augustin de Saint-Hilaire’s Leçons de botanique [1841]. Relates opinions of European botanists on migration and plant distribution.

A Tasmanian Cyttaria is same species as CD’s Fuegian fungus. Did the species originate on the beeches of Fuegia or of Tasmania?

JDH gives interpretation of Vestiges.

John McCulloch, J. F. Schouw, and Lamarck on the species question.

Discusses table of Atlantic dust samples. Thinks dust came from South America.

Discusses Patagonian tuff samples.

Answers CD’s query about material from Pampas. Believes deposit made in brackish water.

Criticises account of Atlantic dust in F. J. F. Meyen [Reise um die Erde (1834–5)].