Theatre at Shrewsbury.
Spark's death.
Harry [Henry Allen] Wedgwood will make the circuit for the first time at the forthcoming assizes.
News of his activities in recent months, of mutual Edinburgh acquaintances, and the Plinian Society.
JC has given up natural history for a time to prepare himself better for medical practice.
Has ordered a cabinet for his insects; hopes WDF will soon come to Cambridge to see his collection. Has exchanged specimens with Leonard Jenyns.
Writes news of Cambridge friends, professors, music, the Reform Bill, and cholera. Expresses belief that CD will take his place with Cuvier and Humboldt.
News from Maer and Shrewsbury of family, friends, and reports of reactions to CD's first letters.
Sedgwick suggests he look for fossils in gravel banks of rivers.
Fanny Owen is married to R. M. Biddulph. Reform Bill prospects.
Brings CD up to date on family and many friends. Describes the wedding of Fanny Owen and R. M. Biddulph. Sedgwick called on return from Wales. W. D. Fox has been very ill.
News of Fanny Biddulph and other Owens; Susan Darwin has declined a marriage offer. Other gossip about Shrewsbury acquaintances.
Tierra del Fuego and the barren coasts of Patagonia are "singularly unfavourable to the insect world". In the tropics, however, CD captured minute Coleoptera by the hundreds - which should result in his bringing home many undescribed species.
Has been working hard on collecting English and foreign birds. Yarrell has written of new birds discovered in England.
News of work in progress by Leonard Jenyns, P. J. Selby, and John Gould.
Cautions CD to beware of insects when he sends any birds' skins - otherwise there will be only feathers, beaks, and legs remaining when he returns.
Acknowledges CD's letter about alpine entomology of Tierra del Fuego; discusses geographical distribution; urges CD to make a chart of vegetable and geological distribution of insects. Advises him on species to collect and assures him of all assistance in describing his captures on his return.
Tells of founding of Entomological Society, and enrolls CD.
News of J. F. Stephens' lawsuit and continuation of his Illustrations of British entomology [1827-46]. Praises general state of zoological science in England.
Darwin Correspondence Project
darwin@lib.cam.ac.uk
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