Reports on the commissions CD requested of him [in a missing letter]; comments on English political issues.

Recounts his trip [from Valparaiso] to Santiago. His meeting with Claude Gay, Thomas Sutcliffe, and others. Geology of tour uninteresting.

Thanks for ham and corrections in spelling. Gives account of his social activities in past week.

SecondLiving Cirripediavolume published. Asks THH’s advice on presentation copies for continental naturalists.

THH’s review ofVestiges of creationin [Br. & Foreign Med.-Chir. Rev.13 (1854)]. CD is almost as unorthodox on species as the author ofVestiges, but hopes not quite so unphilosophical.

Hopes L. Agassiz was sounder on embryological stages than THH thinks.

Asks CD whether he hears from Asa Gray. JDH’s opinion of the crisis [Trentcase, Nov 1861] and the American Civil War.

Julius von Haast alludes to glacial drift in Middle Island of New Zealand.

Backwardness of JDH’s son, Willy.

Encloses a reference from Daniel Oliver which may be useful.