My Dear Darwin

The gratification I feel in learning (by yours of the 3^rd.) that you are pleased, must, I am sure exceed any satisfaction of yours in regard to my subdued and quiet article in Nature. Lockyer—to my great surprise—applied to me for it, and of course I could not refuse. I think it will generally be regarded by scientific people as just and moderate.¹

Odd that you should not have recognized my hand from the first in the Insectivorous Plants—written in fact to vindicate your rights. The papers called forth a 2^d hoax—as elaborate as the first, & much better done. I have no idea who wrote them.²

You must, meanwhile, have received article in Nation, reviewing D^r. Hodge’s “What is Darwinism?” You see what uphill work I in making a theist of you, “of good and reputable standing”.³ Do hurry up the book about Drosera &c—⁴

My plants of Sarracenia variolaris—having lost their spring growth in transmission, have not yet made any that is satisfactory. So I begged D^r. Mellichamp—who had sent me leaves with gorge sanded over at the sweet-secretion part—to send some for the trail. He wrote me it was too late in the season—; they were all drying up. But this morning, with the enclosed postal card came several with the sand sticking fairly well to the glutinous line. And I send you one of them— I wish I could send you Mellichamp’s long letters—about the 2 sorts of larvæ, that appropriate—one the upper, one the lower part of the pitcher.⁵

My wife (who sends her love to you & yours) is much amused by your backgammon reminiscence.⁶ For the year past we have a way of getting on most peacefully. I sit by her side & play solitaire with 2 packs of cards, she looks on and helps, and when we dont succeed there is nobody to “flare up” against but luck.

Ever Yours | A. Gray

I think I never sent you my felicitations upon your election & F. Hon. Member of Amer. Acad. Arts & Sciences.!

We are proud to number you among the 75 (too many) And—I may tell you—only 2 negative votes were cast.— one by an Academician who made a speech on the occasion—to which nobody vouchsafed a word of reply.⁷

A. G