Summary

News of his family and his own health. He is able to work three hours a day on the geology of South America.

Harriet Martineau is greatly excited by mesmerism.

Tells of Sydney Smith’s dream.

Asks for some [S. American] potatoes to test "sporting".

Summary

Very sorry to hear bad news of Mrs Fox.

Shooting not good, but has done some entomology.

Has enjoyed Maer.

Has a horse which he thinks will make a very good hunter.

Summary

Will not pass through London, so will not be able to call at Down.

Summary

Is correcting proofs for Expression.

Family news.

Summary

Has not seen CD for about 25 years. Has heard an absurd story that CD and Emma are exploring an unknown part of America.

Summary

Has finished Expression.

His strength fails more and more; needs to rest every six weeks or so.

Summary

Murray will publish a second edition of the Journal [of researches].

CD has finished first version of South America.

A strange book, The vestiges [of creation (1844)] has appeared and some have attributed it to CD. He is "flattered and unflattered".

Summary

All at Shrewsbury glad to hear good news of Mrs Fox.

CD left Tuesday by coach and two days’ horseback ride to Cambridge. Goes to the Henslows’ that night.

Summary

CD finds the reading involved in "getting up all my subjects" almost "intolerable"; has had no time to write, or send insects, or catch any.

Glad WDF has heard of a curacy where he may "read all the commandments without endangering [his] throat".

Summary

CD reading very hard for his examination.

Too busy for beetles.

Trusts WDF will be in orders by Christmas.

Summary

Congratulates WDF on passing his examination for the curacy; hopes he will find it comfortable.

CD is pleased at his own good showing.

Asks about WDF’s examination, books, etc.

Summary

Thanks CD for a copy of Expression. Is always interested in CD’s work, but finds himself diverging from some of his leading ideas.

P.S. Has found shedding of toenails in a nephew as well.

Summary

Has been in bed for some days with ugly head symptoms. "We are a poor lot."

Summary

Will leave Cambridge shortly after division; plans to return for next term. With so many friends, Henslow among the foremost, it will be pleasant.

Summary

Informs WDF of a shipment of birds ready to be sent by Baker.

Urges WDF to read Herschel’s essay [A preliminary discourse on the study of natural philosophy (1830)] in Lardner’s [Cabinet] Cyclopedia.

Summary

Has left Delamere and settled on the Isle of Wight.

Summary

Has just finished new editions of Descent

and Coral reefs.

Is working on a book almost wholly on Drosera; thinks he has made some discoveries.

Will never have strength and life to complete more of the series of books related to Origin.

Summary

Asks for living plant of Utricularia and information on Pinguicula lusitanica. Gives notes on habitats.

Summary

Will try to get certain insectivorous plants for CD, especially Utricularia. Is glad to hear he has taken up Drosera.

Summary

CD expects pleasant spring term; will botanise with Henslow.

He is dreaming of going to the Canary Islands for tropical scenery.