A son [George Howard Darwin] was born on Wednesday.

Sends queries on Galapagos flora.

Discusses JDH’s comments on [Journal of researches].

CD feels that with his views on descent "really Nat. Hist. becomes a sublimely grand result-giving subject".

"How differently people view the same subject, for I look at insular Floras … as leading to an opposite view to yours."

Grateful for AH’s long letter and suggestions. Delighted at what he says about "complemental males". CD feared no one would believe in them but now that Owen, Dana, and AH accept them, he is content.

Agrees with AH on cross-impregnation; has collected facts on this head but has done nothing with them.

AH’s paper onAlcippe[Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist.2d ser. 4 (1849): 305–14] caused him to lose sleep over its anomalous structure.

Asks for a pea variety for an experiment.

Discusses C. F. v. Gärtner’s results [inBastarderzeugung im Pflanzenreich(1849)]. Criticises Gärtner’s belief that hybrids are always less fertile than their parents.

Asks about MJB’s experiments.

Asks for information on geographical distribution of ascidians; are any closely allied species or genera found in north and south temperate zones that do not have representatives in the tropics?

Answers some questions on [cirripede] antennae.

If THH ever sees a tree washed ashore, will he observe whether any earth is embedded between roots?

One plant in self-sown patch ofAegilopshas assumed a triticoidal character; JSH feels it may be an example ofAegilopspassing to wheat.