r86i.] DR. FALCONER. 167 



you are about to go to Torquay, I lose no time in making 

 you the offer. The poor dear animal is still alive — although 

 it has had no appreciable means of sustenance for a month — 

 and I am most anxious to get rid of the responsibility of 

 starving it longer. In your hands it will thrive and have a 

 fair chance of being developed without delay into some type 

 of the Columbidse — say a Pouter or a Tumbler. 



My dear Darwin, I have been rambling through the north 

 of Italy, and Germany lately. Everywhere have I heard 

 your views and your admirable essay canvassed — the views of 

 course often dissented from, according to the special bias of 

 the speaker — but the work, its honesty of purpose, grandeur 

 of conception, felicity of illustration, and courageous exposi- 

 tion, always referred to in terms of the highest admiration. 

 And among your warmest friends no one rejoiced more 

 heartily in the just appreciation of Charles Darwin than did 



Yours very truly, 



H. Falconer. 



C. Darwin to Hugh Falcoiier. 



Down [June 24, 1861]. 



My dear Falconer. — I have just received your note, and 

 by good luck a day earlier than properly, and I lose not a 

 moment in answering you, and thanking you heartily for your 

 offer of the valuable specimen ; but I have no aquarium and 

 shall soon start for Torquay, so that it would be a thousand 

 pities that I should have it. Yet I should certainly much 

 like to see it, but I fear it is impossible. Would not the Zoo- 

 logical Society be the best place ? and then the interest which 

 many would take in this extraordinary animal would repay 

 you for your trouble. 



Kind as you have been in taking this trouble and offering 

 me this specimen, to tell the truth I value your note more 

 than the specimen. I shall keep your note amongst a very 

 few precious letters. Your kindness has quite touched me. 



Yours affectionately and gratefully, 



Ch. Darwin. 



