212 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY chap, xn 



and as few manifestations of intelligence as possible, for the 

 purpose of persuading my heart to return to its duty. 



I am astonished to find that there is a kick left in me — even 

 when your friend Krapotkin pitches into me without the smallest 

 justification. Vide XIX., June, p. 820. 



Just look at XIX., February, p. 168. I say, "At the present 

 time, the produce of the soil does not suffice," etc. 



I did not say a word about the capabilities of the soil if, as 

 part and parcel of a political and social revolution on the grand- 

 est scale, we all took to spade husbandry. 



As a matter of fact, I did try to find out a year or two ago, 

 whether the soil of these islands could, under any circumstances, 

 feed its present population with wheat. I could not get any 

 definite information, but I understood Caird to think that it 

 could. 



In my argument, however, the question is of no moment. 

 There must be some limit to the production of food by a given 

 area, and there is none to population. 



What a stimulus vanity is ! — nothing but the vain dislike of 

 being thought in the wrong would have induced me to trouble 

 myself or bore you with this letter. Bother Krapotkin ! 



I think his article very interesting and important never- 

 theless. 



I am getting better, but very slowly. — Ever yours very truly, 



T. H. Huxley. 



In reply, Mr. Knowles begged him to come to lunch 

 and a quiet talk, and further suggested, " as an entirely un- 

 biassed person," that he ought to answer Krapotkin's errors 

 in the Nineteenth Century, and not only in a private letter 

 behind his back. 



The answer is as follows : — 



4 Marlborough Place, N.W.,June 3, 1888. 



My dear Knowles — Your invitation is tantalising. I wish 

 I could accept it. But it is now some six weeks that my ex- 

 cursions have been limited to a daily drive. The rest of my 

 time I spend on the flat of my back, eating, drinking, and doing 

 absolutely nothing besides, except taking iron and digitalis. 



I meant to have gone abroad a month ago, but it turned out 

 that my heart was out of order, and though I am getting better, 

 progress is slow, and I do not suppose 1 shall get away for some 

 weeks yet. 



