[On Dieffenbach’s plan to publish Darwin’s work on The structure and distribution of coral reefs,² for which he wished to borrow the copper plates] “ … I am now preparing for press a very little volume on the volcanic islands, which we visited, but it will by no means have the extensive character you expect, & will be purely geological.— I saw so little of New Zealand, that I have determined not to treat of it.³ … I am well acquainted with your paper on the Chatham Island,⁴ & … those passages on the very curious fact of the apparent specific differences of the birds there & at New Zealand …”

[He thanks Dieffenbach for his appreciation of his] “small labours in Natural History … praise from men, like yourself, is the only, though quite sufficient, reward I ever expect or wish to obtain for my works.— I have lately had the extreme satisfaction of hearing that Hooker speaks highly of the accuracy … of my statements …” [Mentions Humboldt and Owen.]