Il8 WORK ON 'MAN.' [1869? 



more converts on my side than on your own side, On read- 

 ing the subsequent parts I had to change my sanguine view. 

 In these latter parts many of your strictures are severe 

 enough, but all are given with perfect courtesy and fairness. 

 I can truly say I would rather be criticised by you in this 

 manner than praised by many others. I agree with some of 

 your criticisms, but differ entirely from the remainder ; but I 

 will not trouble you with any remarks. I may, however, say, 

 that you must have been deceived by the French translation, as 

 you infer that I believe that the Parus and the Nuthatch (or Sitta) 

 are related by direct filiation. I wished only to show, by an 

 imaginary illustration, how either instincts or structures might 

 first change. If you had seen Cants Magellanicus alive you 

 would have perceived how foxlike its appearance is, or if you 

 had heard its voice, I think that you would never have 

 hazarded the idea that it was a domestic dog run wild ; but 

 this does not much concern me. It is curious how nationality 

 influences opinion ; a week hardly passes without my hearing 

 of some naturalist in Germany who supports my views, and 

 often puts an exaggerated value on my works ; whilst in 

 France I have not heard of a single zoologist, except M. 

 Gaudry (and he only partially), who supports my views. But 

 I must have a good many readers as my books are translated, 

 and I must hope, notwithstanding your strictures, that I may 

 influence some embryo naturalists in France. 



You frequently speak of my good faith, and no compliment 

 can be more delightful to me, but I may return you the 

 compliment with interest, for every word which you write 

 bears the stamp of your cordial love for the truth. Believe 

 me, dear Sir, with sincere respect, 



Yours very faithfully, 



Charles Darwin. 



