232 PUBLICATION OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' [1859. 



Chapters III., IV. and V., and I will write no more about 

 them just now. 



The only objections that have occurred to me are, 1st that 

 you have loaded yourself with an unnecessary difficulty in 

 adopting Natura 11011 facit saltum so unreservedly. . . . And 

 2nd, it is not clear to me why, if continual physical conditions 

 are of so little moment as you suppose, variation should 

 occur at all. 



However, I must read the book two or three times more 

 before I presume to begin picking holes. 



I trust you will not allow yourself to be in any way dis- 

 gusted or annoyed by the considerable abuse and mis- 

 representation which, unless I greatly mistake, is in store for 

 you. Depend upon it you have earned the lasting gratitude 

 of all thoughtful men. And as to the curs which will bark 

 and yelp, you must recollect that some of your friends, at 

 any rate, are endowed with an amount of combativeness 

 which (though you have often and justly rebuked it) may 

 stand you in good stead. 



I am sharpening up my claws and beak in readiness. 



Looking back over my letter, it really expresses so feebly 

 all I think about you and your noble book that I am half 

 ashamed of it ; but you will understand that, like the parrot 

 in the story, " I think the more." 



Ever yours faithfully, 



T. H. Huxley. 



C. Danvin to T. H. Huxley. 



Ilkley, Nov. 25 [1859], 



My DEAR HUXLEY, Your letter has been forwarded to 

 me from Down. Like a G^ood Catholic who has received 

 extreme unction, I can now sing " nunc dimittis." I should 

 have been more than contented with one quarter of what you 

 have said. Exactly fifteen months ago, when I put pen to 



