Summary

Thanks for BJS’s account of the Fuegians. CD would have predicted that "not all the missionaries in the world could have done what has been done".

Summary

Gives further details on his grapes.

Tells of his recent movements and state of health.

Summary

BJS’s grape case is a mystery.

CD is still able to work a little but does not expect to do much more of any interest to naturalists.

The death of his brother [E. A. Darwin] was a heavy loss.

Summary

Has looked at BJS’s grapes. Can give no explanation of the case.

Summary

BJS is looking forward to reading the life of Lyell [K. M. Lyell, Life, letters and journals of Sir Charles Lyell, 2 vols. (1881)].

Summary

Sends his subscription for the adopted Fuegian [James FitzRoy Button].

Feels very old and wishes he could be idle but finds himself miserable without any daily work.

Is reading Lyell’s biography [K. M. Lyell (1881)].

Summary

BJS’s son has seen six Fuegians being exhibited in Berlin; BJS hopes that they might be bought from their master and returned to Tierra del Fuego.

Summary

Observations on the geology of the Falkland Islands.

Summary

The only mainland vegetation he saw on Falkland Island shores were trees. Remembers no strange birds there, but on journey home saw a woodcock more than 500 miles from the nearest land.

Summary

Heights of various points on Quail Island [Cape Verde Is.].

Summary

Thanks BJS for account of Mendoza earthquake.

FitzRoy sent CD the last London Review [& Weekly J. Polit.] and he read the article on Genesis, but feels it is an attempt to reconcile the irreconcilable.

Summary

J. C. Wickham and Arthur Mellersh are in town and BJS wonders whether there is any chance CD might join them.

Summary

Hopes to visit CD with Mellersh and Wickham the week after next.

Summary

If Wickham remains in town and CD is well enough, BJS thinks they might come about the 22d.

Summary

Arranges to come to Down on the 21st if CD is well enough.

Summary

Confirms arrangements for his trip to Down.

Summary

Thinks he may be appointed Commodore commanding the Squadron on the west coast of S. America. Wishes to leave England for his health’s sake.

Summary

Sends some tickets so that CD’s son might see [an unspecified] model.

Summary

Reports arrival at Falklands; weather conditions, and unsuccessful search he made for a geological formation CD had seen. Describes cliffs, streams, rocks, and lines of elevation; includes two drawings.

Summary

Has six months’ leave from the Admiralty because of his health; intends going to Europe for four months.