My dear Gray

It was extremely kind of you to send me your review in the Journal & that in the Nation.—¹ They have pleased me greatly; for there is hardly any one in the world whose approbation I value more highly than I do yours. That was a stupid blunder about Apium; but you cannot put yourself in my frame of mind: “Celery” calls up an image in my mind, but not the word Apium.— As for Apios I remember the name, & I fancy in connection with climbing plants.² I am a pretty sort of man to write about plants!!

Nothing in your Review pleased me more than your opening sentence about Frank.³ If you know him well, you wd know that such an idea as being offended with you never could cross his mind.⁴

In fact I wish I could infuse a few drachms of vanity & self-conceit into his veins, for he never will value in the least what he does.— Therefore I am certain that the notion or wish that you would speak in his praise w^d. never have occurred to him.— He was pleased by receiving a letter from you some little time ago,⁵ & he did not answer it, having nothing definite to say, simply from not liking to trouble you.—

I hope when you come back from the continent that you & M^rs Gray⁶ may find time to pay us a little visit.—

Once again thanking you for your kindness, extended to me now for very many years | I remain, Ever yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin