The Wallace-Darwin Correspondence 



and wliat he is I know not, but he discusses many great 

 subjects, such as the existence of God, immortality, the 

 moral sense, the progress of society, etc. I think some of 

 his propositions rest on yery uncertain foundations, and 

 I could get no clear idea of his notions about God. Not- 

 withstanding this and other blemishes, the book has in- 

 terested me extremely. Perhaps I have been to some extent 

 deluded, as he manifestly ranks too high what I have done. 



I am delighted to hear that you spend so much time 

 out of doors and in your garden; for with your wonderful 

 power of observation you will see much which no one 

 else has seen. From Newman's old book (I forget the 

 title) about the country near Godalming, it must be 

 charming. 



We have just returned home after spending five weeks 

 on UUswater : the scenery is quite charming ; but I cannot 

 walk, and everything tires me, even seeing scenery, talk- 

 ing with anyone or reading much. What I shall do with 

 my few remaining years of life I can hardly tell. I have 

 everything to make me happy and contented, but life has 

 become very wearisome to me. I heard lately from Miss 

 Buckley in relation to LyelPs Life, and she mentioned 

 that you were thinking of Switzerland, which I should 

 think and hope you will enjoy much. 



I see that you are going to write on the most diflBicult 

 political question, the Land. Something ought to be done — 

 but what is to rule ? I hope that you will [not] turn rene- 

 gade to natural history; but I suppose that politics are 

 very tempting. 



With all good wishes for yourself and family, believe me, 

 my dear Wallace, yours very sincerely, 



Charles Darwin. 



Wallace's last letter to Darwin was written in October, 

 1881: 



319 



