<span>Transcription: "Dear Bates I have finished vol. I. My criticisms may be condensed into a single sentence, namely that it is the best book of Natural History Travels ever published in England. Your style seems to me admirable. Nothing can be better than the discussion on the struggle for existence & nothing better than the descriptions on the Forest scenery. It is a grand book, & whether or not it sells quickly it will last. You have spoken out boldly on Species; & boldness on this subject seems to get rarer & rarer. How beautifully illustrated it is. The cut on the back is most tasteful. I heartily congratulate </span><span>you on its publication. The Athen;aelig;um was rather cold, as it always is, & insolent in highest degree about your bending facts. Have you seen the "Reader": I can send it you, if you have not seen it. I have got spare copies of my article in N. Hist Review, which I will send you on Monday & you can use or burn them as you like. I look forward with real pleasure to vol. 2. Yours very sincerely, Ch. Darwin I will keep copies of Review till I know your London address." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts</span>
