522 LETTERS TO DARWIN AND OTHERS. [1864, 



writing of such divisions, etc., pray use the scientific 

 form. 



The other course has greatly jargonified zoology. 



In botany we have always been more dignified. 

 Moreover I detest " larve," though Kirby tried to in- 

 troduce the word. " Larva " has got to be as English 

 as " phenomenon." 



But I dare say most would agree with you. 



I like the ring of most of the new technical terms 

 you have coined. . . . Ever yours, 



A. GRAY. 



TO CHARLES DARWIN. 



February 16, 1864. 



MY DEAR DARWIN, Here we are past midwinter, 

 and not being stimulated as of old by your exciting 

 letters, I have not written you a line since Christmas. 

 Not that I have had anything in particular to tell you. 

 I write now to say how very sorry I am tnat the word 

 or two I get about you from Hooker gives me the 

 idea that you are having an uncomfortable and suffer- 

 ing time, as well as entirely broken off from scientific 

 work. I feel very sorry about it, and do long for 

 better news of you. . . . 



I have lately printed a couple of monographs, one 

 pretty big one, of American Astragali. I do not know 

 that they contain anything you would care to see. 

 Yet I think I shall send you a copy presently, through 

 Hooker. 



I feel much the loss of dear old Boott, so good, so 

 true a friend, and he was always writing me little 

 notes telling me of all that was going on. 



The sentiment of our country, you must see, at 

 least I assure you, has settled, as I knew it would if 



