Discusses a unique plant fossil, possibly a Calamites in fruit and the logistics of JSH viewing it. States that rather than the fossil being sent to JSH, in its fragile condition it would be better for a drawing to be made under the supervision of his son, William Bowman. Offers to send JSH a description of the fossil via his son, along with analysis by Robert Brown. Recommends Brown’s analysis of the fossil for inclusion in Fossil Flora and states that it would make a good opening plate.

Also states that he has recently seen several specimens of an unusual Stigmaria in Leeds and has arranged for drawings and description to be sent to JSH for Fossil Flora. Gives his own description of the specimens as well. Offers to find coal fossils for JSH.

Unable to visit JSH as has been ordered to Hastings for health reasons related to ‘nerves’, brought on by stresses including his mother’s death and poor physical health.

Acknowledges receipt of Journal of researches.

His dinner with the Carlyles. "He is the best worth listening to of any man" – but CD cannot get up much admiration for Mrs C, partly because of her Scots accent, which makes her difficult to understand.

Has been with the Lyells doing geology.

Is reading a biography of Sir W. Scott [J. G. Lockhart, Memoirs of the life of Sir Walter Scott (1837–8)]; also Mungo Park’s book [Travels (1799)].

Has hired a cook at fourteen guineas a year with tea and sugar.

Comments on recent visit to Maer. Explains that his notion of happiness as quietness and solitude derives from Beagle experience. Hopes Emma will humanise him. Comments on marriage planned for Tuesday.

Describes recent visit by Lyell and his wife. Talked geology for half an hour "with poor Mrs Lyell sitting by". "I want practice in ill-treating the female sex."

He has the wedding ring. Agrees to coming straight home after the wedding, if that is what she prefers.

Questions on breeding of plants: variation in established versus new varieties; predominance of wild species and old varieties when crossed with newer forms; predominance of males versus females; correlations between ease of hybridisation and tendency to vary and undergo cultivation; reversion; correlations between hybridisation and geographic distribution.

In WH’s Amaryllidaceae [1837], does he intend to say crossing is inimical to fertility?

[Sent via J. S. Henslow; note to amanuensis Syms Covington.]

CD is led to believe there are no true permanently inbreeding, sexually reproducing beings. Thanks for replies to breeding questions.

Asks for clarification of Hippeastrum crosses: is selfing or crossing with individual of same species intended and was increased fertility due to constitution of foreign parent or due to the pollen coming from another plant? Has WH known any hybrid or mongrel to revert or to vary in a manner unlikely to be effect of soil?

Sends Journal of researches.

Describes his routine for a typical day – writing Coral reefs, studying German.

FitzRoy’s "Deluge Chapter" [Narrative 2, ch. 28] will amuse her.

His opinion of Carlyle’s Critical and miscellaneous essays [1839].

Reports on a setter puppy born of apparently pure pointer parents. Any cross must have been far back.

Acknowledges receipt of CD’s gift of the Journal of researches. Praises CD’s "ingenious" views.

Thanks CD for Journal of researches. Praises its "want of pretension"; "the Geology seems … to be excellent – and a good part of it new".

Has objected to loading Narrative with advertisements, but thinks CD’s Zoology and Geology might be advertised. Mentions other details of the final stages of publication.

Has not yet had time to read CD’s Journal of researches attentively. He is sure there is no expression referring to himself personally that he could wish were not in it.

Robert Brown has mistreated Capt. P. P. King by holding back for nine years the plants collected on King’s voyage of the Adventure and Beagle.

Answers to [Questions about breeding].

Thanks CD for his Journal of researches, "one of the best scientific travelworks of this time", which CFAH intends to translate into German.

Writes to CD as "Brother Benedick" and sends hearty good wishes for health and happiness in marriage. They are sending a little silver candlestick for a wax taper.

[Note forwarding 503.]

Lord Fitzwilliam’s gardener does not believe in hybrid ferns.