Suggests the names of two bird-preservers for JMH’s friend.

In reference to an earlier letter, replies: "As for Birds of Paradise from the West Indies, tell that to the marines, as we used to say on board the Beagle".

Returns proof sheets and requests revises. Gives his opinion of Mr Walkers’s work.

Thanks for note; sends photograph taken by one of his sons.

His continued ill-health has prevented him making the acquaintance of many.

The 5th edition of Origin was printed some months previously and stereotypes cannot be supplied.

If Appletons will reprint the 5th edition of Origin in America, he pledges to supply stereotypes, if possible, or the sheets as printed if not, of his new book (Descent).

Is obliged for StGJM’s book [On the genesis of species (1871)].

Would not have sent him vol. 1 [of Descent] if he had known that StGJM’s book was already published.

Sends Charles Lyell’s letters. Those from 1862–9 are so heavy that they have to be put in two parcels.

Has instructed his publisher to send copies of Erasmus Darwin to herself, her sister Emma Sophia Galton, and their half-cousin, Emma Nixon.

Thanks for MS as it shows many of Erasmus Darwin’s ideas were formed 20 years before he published Zoonomia. Would like to publish last letter if there is a second edition of his little book. MS will be returned registered post.

CD does "not believe in the Bible as a divine revelation".

Explains that the animals in the cask cannot have developed from the wheat.