Summary

First part of "Galapagos flora" ["Plants of the Galapagos Archipelago", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 20 (1851): 163–233] finished but not printed.

Details of distribution of Galapagos flora. Peculiarity of island floras.

Leaves for Edinburgh on Wednesday.

Summary

Delighted that JDH will come to visit him.

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Returns notes on Confervae.

Has had information from Ehrenberg on organic forms in Atlantic dust.

Thanks for sketch of Galapagos flora.

Summary

The most experienced botanists argue for the "validity of species in nature". Against taxonomic "splitters".

CD’s Cape Tres Montes plants.

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CD’s enjoyment of JDH’s visit and "all our raging discussions".

Would like to compare insects from Kerguelen Islands with those from Tierra del Fuego.

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JDH’s grandfather’s death.

Collecting testimonials for the Edinburgh chair.

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Thanks for facts on solitary islands having several species of peculiar genera; "it knocks on the head some analogies of mine".

Has long been trying to discover in how many flowers crossing is probable, but finds it difficult to show "even a vague probability of this".

Will JDH proof-read Galapagos chapter of Journal of researches?

Gives information on his Galapagos collection; explains why it differs from others.

Summary

Comments on JDH’s Flora Antarctica. CD is delighted with it.

"I can never cease marvelling at the similarity of the Antarctic floras: it is wonderful."

Questions JDH on points raised by the work: absence of alpine flora on southern islands; comparison of climate and floras of Tasmania and New Zealand.

Summary

Can JDH come to Down on 6 December? If this is convenient, CD will ask Forbes, Falconer, and perhaps Waterhouse.

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Sorry to hear JDH did not get Edinburgh chair. Invites him to Down.

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Apologises that the house is full this weekend, but next weekend would be good.

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Has received pamphlet from JDH [John Murray, Strictures on morphology (1845)].

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Congratulates JDH and condoles with him on possible position at Edinburgh. Although CD will miss him bitterly, he encourages JDH to view it as a good opportunity.

Sorry to hear that Humboldt is failing.

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Going to Shrewsbury on Monday.

Means to attempt the question of species: "though I shall get more kicks than half-pennies, I will, life serving, attempt my work".

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Answers CD’s queries arising from Flora Antarctica.

Would like CD to come to town and go over Galapagos plants with him.

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Is busy with shell work and cannot make it to Kew. Invites JDH to Down. Intends asking Edward Forbes and Hugh Falconer.

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Thanks for Antarctic flora [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].

Agrees geographical distribution will be "the key which will unlock the mystery of species".

Could JDH look over a rough sketch on species?

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Would like to see JDH’s testimonials.

Disappointed with Kosmos.

Has visited Dean of Manchester, who is very heterodox on species.

Summary

Raises some points for revision of CD’s Journal of researches.

Southern island floras. "The more I ponder upon Insular Floras the less inclined I am to admit the mutation of species to any very great amount."

Summary

Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt] has arrived safely.

CD acknowledges his presumption in speculating on variation without having worked out his due share of species, but "for nine years it has been anyhow the greatest amusement to me".