Dear Sir

I am much interested by your enquiries, & shall have great pleasure in answering them to the best of my ability.¹ But I am from home for three weeks to come on clerical duty, & have not an opportunity of referring to books or specimens, without which I cannot reply satisfactorily.

I trust therefore it will not inconvenience you, if I do not reply until the end of the month, when I hope to return home—

I am glad to have the opportunity of thanking you for your unexpected kindness in putting your name to my certificate for the Royal Society.²

I am | Dear Sir | Yours very faithfully | H. B. Tristram

Charles Darwin Esq^re.