130 THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' [1860, 



of the balance of evidence. After long pondering on a sub- 

 ject it is often hard to judge. With hearty thanks for your 

 most interesting letter. Farewell. 



My dear old master, 



C. DARWIN. 



C. Darwin to J. D. Hooker. 



Down, September 2nd [1860]. 



MY DEAR HOOKER, I am astounded at your news re- 

 ceived this morning. I am become such an old fogy that I 

 am amazed at your spirit. For God's sake do not go and 

 get your throat cut. Bless my soul, I think you must be a 

 little insane. I must confess it will be a most interesting 

 tour ; and, if you get to the top of Lebanon, I suppose ex- 

 tremely interesting you ought to collect any beetles under 

 stones there ; but the Entomologists are such slow coaches. 

 I dare say no result could be made out of them. [They] have 

 never worked the Alpines of Britain. 



If you come across any Brine lakes, do attend to their 

 minute flora and fauna ; I have often been surprised how lit- 

 tle this has been attended to. 



I have had a long letter from Lyell, who starts ingenious 

 difficulties opposed to Natural Selection, because it has not 

 done more than it has. This is very good, as it shows that 

 he has thoroughly mastered the subject ; and shows he is in 

 earnest. Very striking letter altogether and it rejoices the 

 cockles of my heart. 



.... How I shall miss you, my best and kindest of 

 friends. God bless you. 



Yours ever affectionately, 



C. DARWIN. 

 C. Darwin to Asa Gray. 



Down, Sept. 10 [1860]. 



.... You will be weary of my praise, but it * does strike 

 me as quite admirably argued, and so well and pleasantly 



* Dr. Gray in the ' Atlantic Monthly ' for July, 1860. 



