Responds to CD’s queries concerning faults; is sending sections of the kind he wants. The Merionethshire fault with a downthrow of 12000ft. [See Origin, p. 285.]
JDH hopes Asa Gray continues his U.S. EXPLORING EXPEDITION publication. JDH is studying the flora of Fiji, Tahiti & the Sandwich Islands [Hawaii] & working on a preliminary essay to FLORA TASMANIAE. He is trying to trace the extent of Australian flora in the Pacific: it goes as far as New Zealand, Norfolk Islands, New Caledonia & the New Hebrides [Vanuatu] but no further, the flora of Fiji is more Indian. Possibly the explanation lies in differing geology. He thinks that an ancient Southern Continent must be the origin of the Australian flora & explanation for there being South African types in South West Australia & Polynesian species on the East coast of the continent. Discusses evidence of type persistence in Australia: Miocene era Banksia ericifolia preserved in lava beds in Victoria, & fossil Casuarina cones from Bass Straits. However, he also has an Araucaria excelsa cone from oolite in England. He concludes that geographical ranges have changed & the old theory of absolute creation is disproved & he will work to more modern hypotheses [Darwin's natural selection] without accepting them as doctrine. It must be accepted that the formation of land & sea has changed as agents of migration such as animals, wind & currents cannot account for current species distribution. He lists his five starting hypotheses to explain distribution of species, including the evolution of new species by selection & effects of land movement. Also, enumerates how this agrees with the expected fact of evolution of species from an aboriginal condition, including the existence of greater numbers of distinct species on remote islands & the great biodiversity of the southern temperate zone considering there is so little land compared to the North. JDH wrote these thoughts at Lord Wrottesley's, he has now returned to Kew & paid Thomson's[?] debt to [William Henry?] Harvey. JDH is shocked by Alphonse de Candolle begging to be made a Foreign Fellow of the Royal Society. [Letter incomplete]
No summary available.
Thanks JSH for specimens. Comments on the structure of a hornet comb and asks JSH to obtain some fresh combs for him and to make observations for him. He is greatly interested in "these wondrous architectural instincts".
Sending JH his Essays [Essays: Scientific, Political, and Speculative, 1857] and HS's 'Recent Astronomy and the Nebular Hypothesis,' the latter just published in the Westminster Review. Requests JH's comments on the latter publication.
Will secure information on indigenous and naturalised bees as CD requests.
Believes Mexican and Jamaican Melipona are different.
Has been employed in London studying the way in which Government aid is granted to further popular education. Will be moving on to Glasgow soon to do similar work. Has been offered an L.L.D. if he can obtain a recommendation from someone in this country.
No summary available.
Did not expect to see U. J. J. LeVerrier's prediction of an inferior planet verified so soon. Observations of E. M. Lescarbault meritorious. Is writing to Charles Tennant and W. R. Birt to join in the observations of the planet.
Regrets SC’s increasing deafness, but advises that aurists are humbugs.
Tells of illnesses in family and his own poor health. "I never know 24 hours comfort."
Thanks HS for sending [see HS's 1859-1-10] HS's Essays and his 'Recent Astronomy and the Nebular Hypothesis.' Regarding the latter, points out a geometrical error, expresses reservations about HS's and Auguste Comte's views of the nebular hypothesis, and argues against HS's theory of sunspot structure. Agrees with HS's idea that some nebulae may be nearer than commonly thought.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Is grateful for the kind manner in which he answered his letter. Gives news of the College in South Africa. Details of Shaw House, Newbury.
No summary available.
At work on abstract.
Continues argument on effectiveness of dispersal. Has doubts about relationship of isolation to highness of Australian flora. Questions about survival of European plants introduced in Australia.
CD receives the Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society.
Acknowledges the honour that the Council [of the Geological Society] have conferred upon him [award of Wollaston Medal]. Will attend the anniversary meeting if his health permits, but cannot attend the dinner.
Capt. W. S. Jacob has supplied him with enclosed letter as a basis for the Committee to work on. Would like his opinion on the scheme. Hopes Poonah will be the base for new observations. Size and quality of the Kew solar photographs.
Wallace has written and is well satisfied with the joint presentation.
CD requests some facts to make case in his abstract for former glacial action in Himalayas.
