Summary

Observations on the geology of the Falkland Islands.

Summary

Reports on the effects of inbreeding in dogs and the results of crossing Canada and common geese.

Summary

Relates plan for an appendix to his Journal of researches which will include facts of species of birds’ being different in different islands of the Galápagos and also of the lizards and tortoises on the islands. Asks JSH whether he can supply parallels in the plant life.

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Requests information for W. S. Macleay on JFWH’s method of catching pelagic animals while ship is under way.

Summary

Whilst a genus of plants is comon to two of three islands [in the Galápagos] the species are often different in different islands. [Text only known from Journal of researches; published in Correspondence vol. 13 supplement, p. 351, letter to John Stevens Henslow, 3 November 1838, n. 5.]

Summary

Announces his engagement to Emma Wedgwood.

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Sends congratulations on CD’s engagement. "It is a marriage which will give almost as much pleasure to the rest of the world as it does to yourselves."

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Expresses his pride and pleasure in CD’s friendship and wishes him well on hearing of his forthcoming marriage.

Summary

Announces his engagement.

Glad CW wondered at Glen Roy. "I saw nothing in my peregrinations to the Antipodes nearly so curious in physical geography."

Summary

Expresses her pleasure at CD’s engagement.

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Expresses her pleasure and satisfaction in CD’s forthcoming marriage.

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In his first letter after their engagement, CD reports on the happy reception of the news by his family. He hopes she will not find life with him solitary and dull after the lively social life of Maer.

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Recounts his misadventures on the train journey back to London. Tells of a visit to the FitzRoys and a friendly letter from Lyell. Whether CD and Emma should live in central London or in the suburbs is a perplexing problem, much discussed by relatives and friends.

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Writes lovingly of small events since he left Maer. Fears their opinions may differ on "the most important subject", religion, but is grateful for his openness about his "honest & conscientious doubts".

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Sends congratulations and expresses her pleasure on hearing of CD’s forthcoming marriage.

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Responds to items in CD’s letter, just received. Suggests parts of London where he might look for a house. Gives news of friends and relatives.

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CD and Erasmus continue to search for a house in central London. They have tea with the Carlyles.

Summary

Has accepted the Hensleigh Wedgwoods’ invitation to go to London with them; can look at houses with CD. She wishes to avoid extravagance; asks him to choose three or four for her to see.

Summary

His search for a London house. He visits the Lyells, who give solemn advice to choose their London acquaintances carefully.

Summary

Invites CD to dine with them on Wednesday, since she will have few more opportunities of seeing "the original old Charles Darwin".