My dear Hooker

You have been very very good & I have been very very troublesome. Unfortunately you addressed the Dionæa to Bromley, instead of Orpington & I sent to Orpington in vain for them & heard only to day that they were at Bromley.² I sent for them at once. They look rather pale after 3 days in darkness, but I think they will recover, if we can but get some more light.

I wish I knew anything about their treatment, but we must feel our way & try slightly different methods on different plants. I doubt whether I can do all that I wish to do with them till next Spring & they can grow stronger & fully sensitive.

Please tell me what you have paid for them that I may repay you.— I shall soon kill them by my experiments in all probability.—

I thank you particularly for sending them, as I am just ready to observe some few points in their structure.—³

Ever yours | C. Darwin

I have of course told Murray to send you my expression Book, but you will not have time to read it, & do not acknowledge it.—⁴

Your particulars about Ayrton Owen & Co (a nice Firm) amused me much.—⁵