Summary

Has again overrun his limits [in MS of third part of Journal of researches]. Sends JM a proof sheet of his account of Cape of Good Hope for decision whether to strike it out and save four pages.

Favourable notice of Journal has appeared in Gardeners’ Chronicle.

Summary

Will be pleased to provide a testimonial for J. D. Hooker, who is seeking the Chair in Botany at Edinburgh, but fears he himself is so little known that it could only be of the smallest service. Has asked Lyell to write to J. F. W. Herschel giving an opinion of J. D. Hooker.

Summary

Discusses the power of land covered with snow to radiate heat.

Criticises CL’s discussion of slavery [in Travels in North America (1845)]. A review of CL’s book is in Gardeners’ Chronicle.

Mentions John Lindley’s views on carbonic acid gas and extinction;

refers to the discussion of multiple and single creations in Humboldt’s Kosmos.

The origin of volcanic craters of elevation.

There is a popular demand for a new edition of Principles.

Praises palaeobotanical work of C. J. F. Bunbury.

Summary

Encloses a testimonial letter for J. D. Hooker [see 907]. If WJH thinks the letter could be improved CD will alter it. Feels it a disgrace that a professor should be appointed by men "who never heard of Humboldt & Brown".

Summary

A letter in support of J. D. Hooker as a candidate for Edinburgh Chair in Botany. No one better qualified. Wishes him success.

Summary

Has finished MS for second edition of Journal of researches. Instructs JM regarding author’s copies, and woodcuts; asks to be informed if volume sells well.

Summary

Anxious to hear of JDH’s prospects [at Edinburgh].

Has completed his Journal of researches.

Summary

Encloses signed receipt for promissory note for £150 from John Murray. Hopes to have pleasure of meeting him soon. Is particularly obliged for promise of information on success of volume.

Summary

Condolences on JDH’s grandfather’s death.

When his wife can move, they will go to Staffordshire.

Returns some books; would like to see copy of Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt]. Would be proud owner of JDH’s work [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].

Summary

"All about household and money matters." The family is now living on about £1000 per annum. Plans a new walk and additions to the house.

Summary

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".

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".

Summary

Discusses American Negroes and their parasitic lice. Henry Denny’s need for lice specimens.

Discusses effects of racial crosses in man.

Describes his trip to Yorkshire.

Comments on Sedgwick’s review [of Vestiges of creation].

Mentions Humboldt’s Kosmos. Criticises Humboldt’s geology.

Summary

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

Summary

Comments on potato disease and its effects on the poor.

Describes visit to his Lincolnshire farm,

to York where he discussed hybrids with the Dean of Manchester [William Herbert],

his meeting with Charles Waterton, and his delight with Chatsworth.

Disappointed at Hooker’s failure to receive the Edinburgh chair; believes JDH will make a great botanist.

Summary

Would like to see JDH’s testimonials.

Disappointed with Kosmos.

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

Summary

Sends specimens. Asks for information about specimens from Rio Gallegos.

What does CGE mean by the term "Fluthgebiete"?

French translation gives impression that Ehrenberg attributes Pampas deposit to debacle.

Summary

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?

Summary

Thanks EH for his Final report on the geology of Massachusetts [1841]. Comments on EH’s discovery of fossil footprints.

Summary

Asks for a meeting in order to go over the shells [which GBS was to describe in the appendix on Tertiary fossil shells in South America].