THE ' LIFE ' OF LYELL 201 



Two later letters to Darwin of 1878 and 1881 touch on the 

 publication of Lyell's Life and Letters. 



Mrs. Lyell has been consulting me confidentially as to 

 what is best done with Sir Charles' correspondence, and 1 

 have her permission to ask what you think, and if you 

 would kindly help her with an opinion. 



I have read a great many of the letters, to Horner and 

 others, and am greatly taken with them they are so full 

 of matter, so pleasant, lucid, and tell so much of his unwearied 

 labours and of the progress of Geology during its comparative 

 infancy. Then too they are so full of feeling to, and ready 

 recognition of, the labours of others. They are full of local 

 colouring as regards the places (often very obscure) that 

 he visited for the purpose of verifying statements and 

 collecting facts ; and full of little notices of admirable 

 local collectors and Museums that are worthy of being 

 remembered. 



Mrs. Lyell has a mind to put all in print for private 

 distribution, after revision and cutting out all passages that 

 could hurt any one (of which I have seen no trace), and 

 afterwards publish a selection as a contribution to his life. 

 My idea is that the number will prove too great for print- 

 ing, but this must depend on their value. I suggested her 

 picking out a dozen by chance (without looking at them) 

 of the bundle I have perused and sending them to you for 

 your opinion, as to their value to Science. I am a partial 

 witness I know, and so would you be, but that must be taken 

 into account. 



Mrs. Lyell has riches and is devoted to Lyell's memory, 

 and if good can be done by the printing now is the time. 

 Ever affectionately yours, 



Jos. D. HOOKER. 



The value of the work would be : (1) The history it is 

 of the progress of Geology ; (2) the evidence of the ease 

 with which Lyell sifted facts and evidence, and the interest 

 attached to the facts. 



[1881.] I have been reading Lyell's Life with great interest. 

 It is a great pity that it was not cut down to one volume, 

 but as it is I am only too glad to get it in any shape. I 

 VOL. n o 



