1 859.] HEALTH. 163 



extensions ; but it is too late, for I will alter nothing I am 

 worn out, and must have rest. Owen, I do not doubt, will 

 bitterly oppose us. . . . Hooker is publishing a grand In- 

 troduction to the Flora of Australia, and goes the whole 

 length. I have seen proofs of about half. With every 

 good wish. 



Believe me, yours very sincerely, 



C. Darwin. 



C. Darwin to J. D. Hooker. 



Down, Sept. 1st [1859]. 



... I am not surprised at your finding your Introduction 

 very difficult. But do not grudge the labour, and do not say 

 you "have burnt your fingers," and are "deep in the mud"; 

 for I feel sure that the result will be well worth the labour. 

 Unless I am a fool, I must be a judge to some extent of the 

 value of such general essays, and I am fully convinced that 

 yours are the most valuable ever published. 



I have corrected all but the last two chapters of my book, 

 and hope to have done revises and all in about three weeks, 

 and then I (or we all) shall start for some months' hydropathy ; 

 my health has been very bad, and I am becoming as weak as a 

 child, and incapable of doing anything whatever, except my 

 three hours daily work at proof-sheets. God knows whether 

 I shall ever be good for anything again, perhaps a long rest 

 and hydropathy may do something. 



I have not had A. Gray's Essay, and should not feel up to 

 criticise it, even if I had the impertinence and courage. You 

 will believe me that I speak strictly the truth when I say 

 that your Australian Essay is extremely interesting to me, 

 rather too much so. I enjoy reading it over, and if you think 

 my criticisms are worth anything to you, I beg you to send 

 the sheets (if you can give me time for good days) ; but 

 unless I can render you any little, however little assistance, 



M 2 



