Dear Darwin

Can you send me a few lines favorable (I think you are favorable) to M^cLachlan’s claims for F.R.S.—¹ No one on the Council knows of his labors, & he is just one of those men who gets overlooked through this circumstance. Between ourselves his claims come into competition (as it so happens, in our attempts to represent all branches of Science in the selection) with Garrod’s, a much younger man, equally a specialist, & one who has worked under great opportunities.²

I am far from saying that M^cLachlan is the best of the two—but he has undoubted claims, & comes forward under heavy disadvantages from no one on the council being able to speak for his works.

Swinhoe is safe—³ We meet on Tuesday to select, so please answer by return of Post.

I want very very much to go & see you all at Down—which I still look on as my particular haven of rest.— Shall you be at home tomorrow week?

Harriet⁴ returned yesterday from Torquay quite cured of both Dyspepsia and Cough— She has taken to riding (when she can get a mount) & enjoys it vastly. & it does her a world of good.

Ever aff yrs | JD Hooker.

The Soirée was a tremendous affair,—the largest ever held.⁵