CD returned to Down on Saturday, 28 May 1859 (‘Journal’; Appendix II).

CD refers to proof-sheets of Hooker 1859.

Eliot 1859. CD recorded Adam Bede along with other novels in his reading notebook in July 1859 (Correspondence vol. 4, Appendix IV, 128: 25). He considered it ‘excellent’.

An advance copy of the fourth volume of Watson 1847–59, which was published in July 1859 (Publishers’ Circular, 16 July 1859, p. 336). See also letter from H. C. Watson, 3 January 1858. CD’s annotated copy, inscribed by Hewett Cottrell Watson, is in the Darwin Library–CUL.

In the second chapter, Watson discussed his own belief in the transmutation of species (Watson 1847–59, 4: 52–64). At the end of the volume, Watson mentioned CD’s work on ‘the mode in which varieties may supplant their ancestral species’, a reference to Darwin and Wallace 1858, and stated that he might have changed some of his comments had CD published earlier (Watson 1847–59,4: 524–5). Pinned to the end-paper of CD’s copy of volume four is a note by CD that evidently formed the basis of a letter to Watson that has not been found. The note reads: Forbes I quite agree Alpine & several of glacial sea-shells only good points.— You always write with such vigour & spirit that I am carried along with you even dryest parts.—‘ie. [illeg]’ Reconvertibility Value of Groups, very good; I was so glad to see you praise Benthams paper [Bentham 1857].— p. 62 curious coincidence in idea with what I have written I am glad you praise Alph. D. C. CD refers to Watson 1847–59, 4: 7–9, 20, 27, 62, 524.