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



trine, and nothing else, and here Lyell and others have been 

 attacking him for twenty years, and because you (with a sneer 

 and laugh) say the very same thing, they are all coming 

 round ; it is the most ridiculous inconsistency, &c, &c." 



You must be very glad to be settled in your house, and I 

 hope all the improvements satisfy you. As far as my expe- 

 rience goes, improvements are never perfection. I am very 

 sorry to hear that you are still so very busy, and have so much 

 work. And now for the main purport of my note, which is to 

 ask and beg you and Mrs. Hooker (whom it is really an age 

 since I have seen), and all your children, if you like, to come 

 and spend a week here. It would be a great pleasure to me 

 and to my wife. . . . As far as we can see, we shall be at 

 home all the winter ; and all times probably would be equally 

 convenient ; but if you can, do not put it off very late, as it 

 may slip through. Think of this and persuade Mrs. Hooker^ 

 and be a good man and come. 



Farewell, my kind and dear friend, 



Yours affectionately, 



C. Darwin. 



P.S. I shall be very curious to hear what you think of my 

 discussion on Classification in Chap. XIII. ; I believe Huxley 

 demurs to the whole, and says he has nailed his colours to 

 the mast, and I would sooner die than give up ; so that 

 we are in as fine a frame of mind to discuss the point as any 

 two religionists. 



Embryology is my pet bit in my book, and, confound my 

 friends, not one has noticed this to me. 



C. Darwin to Asa Gray. 



Down, December 21st [1859]. 



My DEAR Gray, I have just received your most kind, 

 long, and valuable letter. I will write again in a few days, for 

 I am at present unwell and much pressed with business :. 



