TO A. HANCOCK, ESQ. 277 



I obtained by dissolving the sliell ; but I have one or two in 

 spirits not cut up. Shall I return them ? or can you spare them 

 for the British Museum ? I may mention that Mr. Bate has 

 found Alcippe off Plymouth. I have some other specimens of 

 yours, not of much value, except one from Madeira.. There is 

 one, however, from Davis Straits, which I know is to be re- 

 turned. I could return the whole lot by post, without I have 

 to return, the bottles. In this latter case is there anywhere in 

 London where parcels collect for you ? 



Allow me to thank you cordially and truly for the very great 

 pleasure I derived from examining Alcippe lampas, which is de- 

 scribed in full in my volume, now printed, and I presume soon 

 to be published by the Eay Society. 



I have also discussed the excavating power of Verruca, which 

 subject I owe entirely to you. 



As there are several specimens of the Oxynaspis from Madeira, 

 I have ventured to take two or three to give to Museums. "With 

 my sincere thanks, and with much respect, 



I remain, my dear Sir, 



Yours sincerely, 



Charles Dakwin. 



No. 20. 

 (No postal date.) 



Down Bromley, Kent, 



May 25th. 

 My dear Sir, 



I am really very much obliged to you and Mr. Storey,*' 



and am quite ashamed at having caused so much trouble, but I 



was very curious to obtain this information. My present work 



leads me to wish to get as accurate information as I can on what 



some call the economy of nature, and the point in question 



seemed to me deserving of attention, as aiding in shewing how 



far the struggle with other species checked the extreme possible 



♦John Storey, F.B.S.E., was a careful and accomplished botanist, and formerly 

 Honorary Secretary of the Tyneside Naturalists" Field Club. 



