DARWIN MEMORIAL. 79 



In the brief hours I then spent at Down the proverbial modesty 

 and singular simplicity and sweetness of his character were appar- 

 ent, while the delight he manifested in stating facts of interest was 

 excelled only by the eagerness with which he sought them from 

 others, whether while strolling through the greenhouse or sitting 

 round the generously spread table. 



Going to him as a young entomologist with no claim on his favor, 

 he seemed to take delight in manifesting appreciation. I had occa- 

 sion in my third report on the insects of Missouri, published in the 

 spring of that year, to discuss the question of Natural Selection in 

 its bearings on Mimicry, as exemplified in two of our North Ameri- 

 can butterflies, (Danais archippus and Limenitis disippus.') This re- 

 port I found in his study with many leaves turned down, and he 

 appeared to take especial pleasure in conveying a sense of his ap- 

 preciation of particular parts. 



The few letters which I received from Darwin were in his own 

 hand-writing, which was rapid and better calculated to save time 

 than to facilitate the reading. I take the liberty of reproducing 

 here the first and last as indicating his attitude toward all workers 

 in the field of natural science, however humble or however unde- 

 serving of his praise they may have been ; and this generous trait 

 in his character will explain, in some measure, the stimulus and en- 

 couragement which he gave to investigators : 



Down, 

 June i, [1871.] . Beckenham, Kent. 



My Dear Sir : I received some little time ago your Report on Noxious In- 

 sects, and have now read the whole with the greatest interest. There is a vast 

 number of facts and generalizations of value to me, and I am struck with admir- 

 ation at your power of observation. The discussion on mimetic insects seems to 

 me particularly good and original. Pray accept my cordial thanks for the in- 

 struction and interest which I have received. 



What a loss to natural science our poor mutual friend, Walsh, has been : it is 

 a loss ever to be deplored. 



Pray believe me, with much respect, 



Yours, very faithfully, 



Ch. Darwin. 



