178 CAMBRIDGE. JETAT. 19-22. [1829. 



must appear, although it be as heartfelt and sincere, as I hope 

 you believe me capable of feeling. At such a time of deep 

 distress I will say nothing more, excepting that I trust your 

 father and Mrs. Fox bear this blow as well as, under such 

 circumstances, can be hoped for. 



I am afraid it will be a long time, my dear Fox, before 

 we meet ; till then, believe me at all times, 



Yours most affectionately, 



CHARLES DARWIN. 



C. Darwin to W. D. Fox. 



Shrewsbury, Friday [July 4, 1829]. 

 MY DEAR FOX, 



I should have written to you before only that whilst 

 our expedition lasted I was too much engaged, and the con- 

 clusion was so unfortunate, that I was too unhappy to write 

 to you till this week's quiet at home. The thoughts of 

 Woodhouse next week has at last given me courage to relate 

 my unfortunate case. 



I started from this place about a fortnight ago to take an 

 entomological trip with Mr. Hope through all North Wales ; 

 and Barmouth was our first destination. The two first days I 

 went on pretty well, taking several good insects ; but for the 

 rest of that week my lips became suddenly so bad,* and I 

 myself not very well, that I was unable to leave the room, 

 and on the Monday I retreated with grief and sorrow back 

 again to Shrewsbury. The first two days I took some good 

 insects. . . . But the days that I was unable to go out, Mr. 

 Hope did wonders .... and to-day I have received another 

 parcel of insects from him, such Colymbetes, such Carabi, and 

 such magnificent Elaters (two species of the bright scarlet 

 sort). I am sure you will properly sympathise with my 

 unfortunate situation : I am determined I will go over the 

 * Probably with eczema, from which he often suffered. 



