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- 1862-11-25 (x)
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Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates, I shd. think it was not necessary to get a written agreement. I have never had one from Murray. I suppose you have a letter with terms; if not, I shd. think you had better ask for one to prevent misunderstandings. I think Sir C. Lyell told me he had not any formal agreements. I am heartily glad to hear that your Book is progressing. Could you find some place, even foot-note (though these are in nine cases out of ten objectionable) where you could state, as fully as your materials permit, all the facts about similar varieties pairing, at a guess how many you caught, and how many now in your collection. I look at this fact as very important: if not in your book, put it somewhere else, or let me have cases. I entirely agree with you on enormous advantage of thoroughily studying one group. I shd. doubt Sir J. Herschel reading or reviewing nat. History; his address is "Collingwood Hawkhurst, Kent". I have already drawn Asa Gray's attention to your paper; but I fear it is out of his line, as he contributes only Bot. Reviews to N. American Journal. I will see whether a suggestion to one of Editors of Nat. Hist. R. will do any good; but as you are aware it is very unusual to review papers. I wish I had spare strength or time to review your paper; but in truth I have lost such months of time this whole summer that I must work on my own work when well enough. I really have no criticism to make; style seems to me very good and clear; but I much regret, that in title or opening passage that you did not blow loud trumpet about what you were going to show. Perhaps paper would have been better more divided into sections with Headings— Perhaps you might have given somewhere rather more of a summary on the process of segregation of varieties and not referred your readers to the descriptive part, excepting such readers as wanted minute detail. But these are trifles; I consider your paper as a most admirable production in every way. Whenever I come to variation under natural conditions (my head for months has been exclusively occupied with domestic varieties) I shall have to study and restudy your paper and no doubt shall then have to plague you with questions. I am heartily glad to hear that you are well. I have been compelled to write in a hurry, so excuse me, and believe me, Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin " Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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