1870-1871] "The Descent of Man" 203 



vol. on the subject. By the way I have had hardly any 

 letters about the Descent worth keeping for you, excepting 

 one from a Welshman, abusing me as an old Ape with a 

 hairy face and thick skull. We shall be heartily glad to 

 see you home again. Good-bye, my very dear coadjutor 



and fellow-labourer. 



Your affectionate Father, 



CH. DARWIN. 



Erasmus Darwin to Ms niece Henrietta Darwin. 



[6, QUEEN ANNE STREET, March, 1871.] 

 DEAR HENRIETTE, 



I was thinking of sending a scolding card when 

 your note pacified me. Your news is not very cheerful, 

 everyone ill, and I hope London will have a good effect 

 upon your constitutions. Olivier has not as yet sent his 

 remedies [concert tickets]. 



I have been reading Wallace in the Academy, 1 and it 

 seems to me there is a good deal to answer in it if possible. 

 I think the way he carries on controversy is perfectly 

 beautiful, and in future histories of science the Wallace- 

 Darwin episode will form one of the few bright points 

 among rival claimants. . . . 



Erasmus Darwin to his niece Henrietta Darwin. 



[6, QUEEN ANNE STREET, April, 1871.] 

 DEAR HENRIETTE, 



I enclose you Lady Bell's note, and you will see that 

 yours was not thrown away. I ought to have sent it before, 

 but have been rather sick and miserable, and paper and 

 envelopes are very lowering to the system. 



The world looks very black, for after Monday next 

 there won't be a single day without its pleasure, what 

 with the Royal Academy and what with the International. 



1 A review of The Descent of Man. 



