1882 MR. DARWIN'S PORTRAIT 123 



jilly glad to read the last sentences. I have been 

 bothered with several letters, but none abusive. 

 Under a selfish point of view I am very glad of the 

 publication of your letter, as I was at first inclined to 

 think that I had done mischief by stirring up the 

 mud, now I feel sure that I have done good 



The following letters relate to the portrait of 

 Mr. Darwin which was painted by the Hon. John 

 Collier for the Linnean Society. 



18 Cornwall Terrace, Eegent's Park, N.W. : May 25. 



My dear Mr. Darwin, When at the Linnean this 

 afternoon, I was told by Dr. M that he had 

 obtained your consent to sit for a portrait for the 

 Society. Now, as it appears to me a great favour to 

 ask of you to sit for yet another portrait, the least we 

 can do, if you consent, is to employ a thoroughly 

 good man to paint it. Therefore, if you have not 

 already entered into any definite agreement, I write 

 to suggest a little delay (say of a month), when, as 

 Secretary, I might ascertain the amount of the sub- 

 scription on which we might rely, and arrange matters 

 accordingly. John Collier (Huxley's son-in-law) told 

 me some time ago that he would dearly like to have 

 you to paint, and I doubt not that he would do it 

 at less than his ordinary charges if necessary. He 

 would be sure to do the work well, and so I write to 

 ascertain whether you would not prefer him, or some 

 other artist of known ability, to do the work, if I 

 were to undertake to provide the needful. 



Please give to Mrs. Darwin, and take to yourself, 



