1868.] MARQUIS DE SAPORTA. IO3 



It is quite full of most interesting observations, stated with 

 the greatest clearness. I have seldom read a paper with 

 more interest, for it abounds with facts of direct use for my 

 work. Many of them consist of little points which hardly 

 any one besides yourself has observed, or perceived the im- 

 portance of recording. I would instance the age at which the 

 liorns are developed (a point on which I have lately been in 

 vain searching for information), the rudiment of horns in the 

 female elk, and especially the different nature of the plants 

 devoured by the deer and elk, and several other points. 

 With cordial thanks for the pleasure and instruction which 

 you have afforded me, and with high respect for your power 

 of observation, I beg leave to remain, dear Sir, 



Yours faithfully and obliged, 



CHARLES DARWIN. 



[The following extract from a letter (Sept 24, 1868) to 

 the Marquis de Saporta, the eminent palaeo-botanist, refers 

 to the growth of Evolutionary views in France : * 



" As I have formerly read with great interest many of your 

 papers on fossil plants, you may believe with what high 

 satisfaction I hear that you are a believer in the gradual 

 evolution of species. I had supposed that my book on the 

 ' Origin of Species ' had made very little impression in France, 

 and therefore it delights me to hear a different statement 

 from you. All the great authorities of the Institute seem 

 firmly resolved to believe in the immutability of species, and 

 this has always astonished me. . . . Almost the one exception, 

 as far as I know, is M. Gaudry, and I think he will be soon 

 one of the chief leaders in Zoological Palaeontology in 

 Europe ; and now I am delighted to hear that in the sister 

 -department of Botany you take nearly the same view."] 



* In 1868 he was pleased at translation of his 'Naturalist's 

 "being asked to authorise a French Voyage.' 



