Summary

[Notes on conversations with J. D. Hooker.] Geographical distribution; diffusion and distribution of species. Island and mountain floras; means of migration (high-roads, icebergs).

Summary

Is puzzled by CD’s question about the Viverridae; thinks if there were only one species he might regard it as an aberrant of some other group and not select it as a type of the Carnivora.

Summary

Writes about canal shares EAD holds as trustee.

Summary

Sends calculations of angles of elevation [of sea-bottom, for South America?].

Swale has sent Lady Willoughby’s diary, which EAD will forward to CD.

Summary

Considers the transmutation of corn is well worth investigation ‘even if it should prove to be only a history of error’.

Summary

CD and Emma request transfer of some shares to E. A. Darwin.

Summary

Has been discussing wills and other legal matters with his father.

Summary

Regrets the delay in sending copies of his paper.

Summary

Sends thanks for money.

Comments on treatment prescribed by his father.

Encloses notes by John Higgins with investment advice. Discusses advisability of investing in farmland in Lincolnshire. Cites advice of Sir John Lubbock concerning purchase of land.

Summary

Arrangements for Emma’s return to Down.

CD has been "wonderfully strong".

Summary

Delighted to be able to contribute Infusoria to ED’s "great countryman Ehrenberg". Includes a list of eight substances from his collection described in detail, which Ehrenberg might find useful in his researches.

Summary

[With the notation "If not there to be forwarded by favour of Prof. Liebig" on the address.] "I am very glad to hear that you are going to edit a German Geological Journal".

Summary

About the researches of Ehrenberg. "I have … sent him several packets of objects from my voyage & that of Dr. Hooker".

Summary

Discusses HD’s information that same species of birds at remote stations have identical parasites. Urges him to investigate N. American land-bird parasites.

Is deeply interested in everything connected with geographical distribution, and the differences between species and varieties.

Summary

Regularly attends Owen’s lectures. Owen at pains to show groups are not linked. Thus makes Lepidosiren appear fish-like.

GRW thinks embryology will become chief guide to insect classification. But contradictions between classification based on embryological and adult characters do occur.

Summary

Change in train times.

Summary

Discusses sending HD lice specimens. Asks him to check with G. R. Waterhouse.

Summary

Thanks WBC for offer to examine specimen and for offer of slices of shells, but has no achromatic microscope.

Summary

Has never heard of species of same genus [of parasites] being found on both birds and mammals, or different genera and species being found on animals in the domestic and wild states. Implications of this for relationship of aperea and guinea-pig.

Summary

Referring to a correspondent who had written about Pelargonium plants whose leaves had become regularly edged with white, CD reports that nearly all the young leaves of box-trees he had planted have become symmetrically tipped with white. Though these facts seem trivial, CD believes the first appearance of any peculiarity which tends to become hereditary deserves being recorded.