154 CAMBRIDGE. ^ETAT. 19-22. [1829. 



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

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

 house 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 un- 

 fortunate situation : I am determined I will go over the same 

 ground that he does before autumn comes, and if working 

 hard will procure insects I will bring home a glorious stock. 

 ***** 

 My dear Fox, 



Yours most sincerely, 



CHAS. DARWIN. 



C. Darwin to W. D. Fox. 



Shrewsbury, July 18, 1829. 



I am going to Maer next week in order to entomologise, 

 and shall stay there a week, and for the rest of this summer 

 I intend to lead a perfectly idle and wandering life. . . . 

 You see I am much in the same state that you are, with this 

 difference, you make good resolutions and never keep them ; 

 I never make them, so cannot keep them ; it is all very well 

 writing in this manner, but I must read for my Little-go. 

 Graham smiled and bowed so very civilly, when he told me 



* Probably with eczema, from which he often suffered. 



