526 THE WRITING OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' [1859 



book has been completely finished some little time ; as soon 

 as copies are ready, of course one will be sent you. I hope 

 you will mark your copy with scores, so that I may profit by 

 any criticisms. I should like to hear your general impression. 

 From Lyell's letters, he thinks favourably of it, but seems 

 staggered by the lengths to which I go. But if you go any 

 considerable length in the admission of modification, I can 

 see no possible means of drawing the line, and saying here 

 you must stop. Lyell is going to reread my book, and I yet 

 entertain hopes that he will be converted, or perverted, as he 

 calls it. Lyell has been extremely kind in writing me three 

 volume-like letters ; but he says nothing about dispersal dur- 

 ing the glacial period. I should like to know what he thinks 

 on this head. I have one question to ask : Would it be any 

 good to send a copy of my book to Decaisne ? and do you 

 know any philosophical botanists on the Continent, who read 

 English and care for such subjects ? if so, give their addresses. 

 How about Andersson in Sweden ? You cannot think how 

 refreshing it is to idle away the whole day, and hardly ever 

 think in the least about my confounded book which half- 

 killed me. I much wish I could hear of your taking a real 

 rest. I know how very strong you are, mentally, but I never 

 will believe you can go on working as you have worked of 

 late with impunity. You will some day stretch the string too 

 tight. Farewell, my good, and kind, and dear friend, 



Yours affectionately, 



C. DARWIN. 



C. Darwin to T. H. Huxley. 



Ilkley, Otley, Yorkshire, Oct. I5th [1859]. 



MY DEAR HUXLEY, I am here hydropathising and com- 

 ing to life again, after having finished my accursed book, 

 which would have been easy work to any one else, but half- 

 killed me. I have thought you would give me one bit of 

 information, and I know not to whom else to apply ; viz., the 

 addresses of Barrande, Von Siebold, Keyserling (I dare say 

 Sir Roderick would know the latter). 



