My dear Darwin

I fear I have not the least probability of getting you either of the plants you want. Had I been at Delamere— I might possibly have got Utricularia, but even then it was a mere chan⁠⟨⁠ce.⁠⟩⁠²

I have found both sp⁠⟨⁠ecies⁠⟩⁠ in some abundance ⁠⟨⁠once⁠⟩⁠ or twice, & never ⁠⟨⁠been⁠⟩⁠ able to again find them in the same place. It seems singular also to me that D^r Bromfield seldom saw Utricularia in flower, even when abundant,³ as when I have found it, it has been a mass of flowers— both species. I have written to “Old Price”—asking him to try to find it— & if he ⁠⟨⁠doe⁠⟩⁠s to send it to you.⁴

⁠⟨⁠P.⁠⟩⁠ Lusitanica I never ⁠⟨⁠saw,⁠⟩⁠ but on my return from Hampstead— where I am going to Charles Woodds this week— I will try to find it about Freshwater— The locality is as far as possible from me, we & P Lusitanica—occupying the extreme West & East points of the Island.⁵

I will also have a hunt for Utricularia— but scarcely expect to find it.

My children are much delighted at you taking up Drosera, as they used to keep plants and feed them with Beef at Delamere. All the 3 species (if such they are) were plentiful in a pet Bog of mine there— very small in extent but abounding with them— Cranberry &c with a good sprinkling of Vipers & Lizards.

Vipers are abundant here in their haunts— but few people know it. Singularly I never heard of any one being bit here. A noble snake 3 feet 4 inches long was killed last week— They abound & are always killed except by my family. ⁠⟨⁠A⁠⟩⁠ London Barrister in full practise, who often comes here—will stand & scream like an Infant, if he sees a slow worm, untill the Gardiner comes & valiantly slays it.

I once told you of a connexion of mine who regularly sheds her toe nails. She is now an old woman & though she still sheds them, they are not such good specimens as they were.

I heard from her a few weeks since & she tells me that a Nephew (a sisters Son) sheds his

Farewell my dear old friend. I cannot tell you how many of the pleasantest memories of my life are connected with your good Father, Caroline, Susan, & yourself.⁶

Kindest regards to M^rs Darwin | Ever yours W D Fox