Summary

Observations on the geology of the Falkland Islands.

Summary

Reports on the effects of inbreeding in dogs and the results of crossing Canada and common geese.

Summary

Relates plan for an appendix to his Journal of researches which will include facts of species of birds’ being different in different islands of the Galápagos and also of the lizards and tortoises on the islands. Asks JSH whether he can supply parallels in the plant life.

Summary

Requests information for W. S. Macleay on JFWH’s method of catching pelagic animals while ship is under way.

Summary

Expresses her pleasure at CD’s engagement.

Summary

Whilst a genus of plants is comon to two of three islands [in the Galápagos] the species are often different in different islands. [Text only known from Journal of researches; published in Correspondence vol. 13 supplement, p. 351, letter to John Stevens Henslow, 3 November 1838, n. 5.]

Summary

Announces his engagement to Emma Wedgwood.

Summary

RWD’s happiness that Emma has accepted CD’s proposal of marriage.

Summary

Hopes the Darwins in Shrewsbury will help her convince CD that he must not hurry their marriage too greatly. Sarah Elizabeth Wedgwood [II] adds a postscript to the same effect.

Summary

Sends congratulations on CD’s engagement. "It is a marriage which will give almost as much pleasure to the rest of the world as it does to yourselves."

Summary

Expresses her pleasure and satisfaction in CD’s forthcoming marriage.

Summary

In his first letter after their engagement, CD reports on the happy reception of the news by his family. He hopes she will not find life with him solitary and dull after the lively social life of Maer.

Summary

JW’s satisfaction in bestowing Emma on CD.

[A note from Emma on cover thanks RWD for the way the family have received her.]

Summary

Expresses his pride and pleasure in CD’s friendship and wishes him well on hearing of his forthcoming marriage.

Summary

Recounts his misadventures on the train journey back to London. Tells of a visit to the FitzRoys and a friendly letter from Lyell. Whether CD and Emma should live in central London or in the suburbs is a perplexing problem, much discussed by relatives and friends.

Summary

Writes lovingly of small events since he left Maer. Fears their opinions may differ on "the most important subject", religion, but is grateful for his openness about his "honest & conscientious doubts".

Summary

Sends congratulations and expresses her pleasure on hearing of CD’s forthcoming marriage.

Summary

Announces his engagement.

Glad CW wondered at Glen Roy. "I saw nothing in my peregrinations to the Antipodes nearly so curious in physical geography."

Summary

Responds to items in CD’s letter, just received. Suggests parts of London where he might look for a house. Gives news of friends and relatives.

Summary

CD and Erasmus continue to search for a house in central London. They have tea with the Carlyles.