My dear Father,

I am getting one of these London Brigade Portable Fire Engines price £3.10 cover 7^s/6^d— Fan spread is 7^s/6^d— I should think it would be well worth the expense to have one ar two at Down.² With several men on the premises who could keep filling it with water, I think it would be a considerable safe guard.

I do not want the advertisements again. It is now set in very cold, & we are looking for skating. I think, if it not absurd for one with no pretensions, I should like to join the Geological Society.³ What steps should I take?

I am very anxious to hear what L. Stephens says.⁴

I will look at the acacias soon—⁵

Your affect son | W. E. Darwin