Considers the transmutation of corn is well worth investigation ‘even if it should prove to be only a history of error’.

On checks to increase of species and the observations which led him to regard species as mutable in form. Would welcome "at some future time" LJ’s criticism of the "sketch" of his conclusions.

Thanks for procuring cuttings of weeping yew.

Sends thanks for money.

Comments on treatment prescribed by his father.

Encloses notes by John Higgins with investment advice. Discusses advisability of investing in farmland in Lincolnshire. Cites advice of Sir John Lubbock concerning purchase of land.

Mentions his Plutonic view of earth history.

Cites Lyell’s opinions on loess.

CD doubts contemporaneousness of extinct great animals with ice period.

Cites applicability of Forbes’s theory of glacier structure to structure of volcanic obsidian.

CD is falling astern in the geological race for knowledge.

Returns notes on mule yaks [see Natural selection, p. 438]

and sends queries on silkworms.

A bed is ready any time HF will come.

Instructions for JDH’s trip to Down.

Change in train times.

Asks WBC if he will examine a specimen of calcareous rock.

[Notes on conversations with J. D. Hooker.] Geographical distribution; diffusion and distribution of species. Island and mountain floras; means of migration (high-roads, icebergs).

Thanks WBC for offer to examine specimen and for offer of slices of shells, but has no achromatic microscope.

Thanks for botanico-geographical remarks. CD greatly appreciates JDH’s valuable generalisations.

Tells of his father’s ill health.

Discusses mesmerism and Harriet Martineau’s recovery. If animals could be put into a stupor, he would be convinced. Suggests WDF have some mesmeriser attempt it with cats.

Is obliged for the account of the structure of the Pampas specimen and its difference from specimens of the modern calcareous bed of Coquimbo in Chile. If he thinks that J. S. Bowerbank can make out the nature of the specimens, they should be shown to him.

Questions on JDH’s sketch comparing floras of Australia, New Zealand, and western S. America; wishes to know botanical relations between other southern islands. Botanico-geographical discussions and comments on books sent by JDH.