Summary

A letter of reference for Syms Covington.

Summary

Discusses the affairs of the late Edward Evans for whom CD and EAD are trustees.

Has got CD’s [Copley] Medal, "it is rather ugly to look at, & too light to turn into candlesticks".

Summary

Thanks SC for box of specimens [of cirripedes].

Often wishes he had settled in one of the colonies because of opportunities for his children.

Summary

Asks for details about the discoveries of gold in Australia.

Has published one book on barnacles [1851].

Sulivan has just returned from his cattle farm in the Falklands.

Summary

Thanks him for specimens collected.

Comments on JED’s voyage [on H.M.S. Terror, 1839–43].

Mentions activities of old Beagle crew.

Summary

Reports on developments in recent years, his father’s death, his own poor health, publications, and work on barnacles. Asks SC to collect some specimens, if he lives near the sea.

News of FitzRoy and B. J. Sulivan.

Summary

Arranges to send ear-trumpet to Syms Covington.

Summary

Introduces Syms Covington and recommends him for employment in Australia.

Summary

CD’s health has been poor owing to hard work [on Natural selection]. He has to treat of every branch of natural history, which is beyond his strength.

Summary

Comments on SC’s trip to the gold diggings. CD is most interested in Australia and reads every book about it that he can find. Sends news of former Beagle shipmates FitzRoy, Sulivan, Mellersh, and of Fuegia [Basket].

Summary

Thanks SC for his interesting account of the state of the colony. SC was wise to settle there where his sons have much better prospects.

Has finished his book on barnacles [1854]. Royal Medal awarded him chiefly for this work.

Asks SC whether he has observed any odd imported breeds of poultry, for his work on variation of species.

Summary

Congratulates and "condoles" with WDF on a tenth child.

On education, he has not had courage to break away from "the old stereotyped stupid classical education"; has sent William to Rugby.

The first Ray Society volume [Living Cirripedia] is finished.

Has joined in a society to prosecute violators of the act against use of children in climbing chimneys.

Summary

On FitzRoy’s suicide.

The Lyell–Ramsay disagreement [on formation of lakes?].

Summary

Is concerned about the education of his boys and is undecided between Rugby and Bruce Castle schools; is inclined toward the latter, but afraid to experiment on so important a subject.

Reports on his pear-trees.

Summary

J. C. Wickham, B. J. Sulivan, and Arthur Mellersh visited a fortnight ago.

Oldest son [William] now a banker.

Sends photograph.

Health too bad to see anyone at present. Rarely sees FitzRoy.

Summary

Regrets SC’s increasing deafness, but advises that aurists are humbugs.

Tells of illnesses in family and his own poor health. "I never know 24 hours comfort."

Summary

PGK’s letter stirred memories of their old days in the Beagle.

Gives news of his work on cirripedes. Would like to examine Scalpellum papillosum of King from Patagonia if PGK’s father has a duplicate in his collection.

Summary

Encloses a statement [see 377a] from Smith, Elder & Co., which appears to provide the best plan for the expenditure of the grant. Asks that it be presented for their Lordships’ consideration. Also encloses a prospectus.