My dear Fox

I was in London last week & got Hewitson all safe at Athenæum Club.¹ It is indeed magnificently bound & I am not surprised that you did not like to send it per post, & am only surprised that you would send it anyhow.— I was headachy & half-knocked up during all my stay & I found it impossible to look it over whilst in London & so have brought it with me, & shall consult it deliberately for I have found more variability in Birds nests than I expected after I had put my notes together.² I presume you are in no hurry, & so will leave it at M^r. Woods,³ when next, in about 6 weeks, when I go to London.— Very many thanks for the loan.—

In your last note, what a funny fact that it of the Turkeys & the frog: I think it will do to work in: I wish I knew about how old they were, but probably you will not recollect. How fine it would have been if they had squatted at the sight of the monster.—⁴

You say that if you can anyhow manage it, you will this Spring pay us a visit; it would really give Emma & myself great pleasure; so do not forget & come if you can. I am not likely to be from home, this summer, without it be sometimes for a fortnight to Moor Park.— I think Etty gets gradually rather stronger.

Farewell my dear old friend. If the spirit moves you at anytime to send me a line about yourself, glad shall I be. Ever yours | C. Darwin