My dear Sir

I thank you cordially for your most kind letter, which has told me much that was new & has interested me much.¹ I cannot pretend that I care greatly about my election to the Institut, but I do care very greatly for the kind sympathy of my friends, & for none more than for yours.²

I have been away from home for a fortnight & shall not return for another week; & when there I shall no doubt find the book which you have been so kind as to order to be sent me, & will look to Smilax & any other generalities.³

I am always sorry to hear about the insecurity of the identification of fossil leaves; but Hooker has frequently made with vehemence nearly the same remarks as yours.⁴

With the greatest respect, believe me | Yours truly obliged | Ch. Darwin

P.S. | If your son is with you pray tell him that I hear that De Barry has cultivated Utricularia with & without acquatic animals, & that the former or fed plant have flourished in a stupendous manner.—⁵