My dear Hooker

I heard from Henrietta that she saw you at the Coll: of Surgeons & that you seemed pretty well.—²  Farrer has most kindly lent us this house for a month & I write now to know whether there is any chance that you would come here (& please bring Harriet, if she is inclined to come.)³ on Saturday 26^th for the Sunday. You know how we sh^d. rejoice to see you both if you can come.

I was very much worn out by correcting “Insectivorous plants”, & so came here for rest.—

I have now done with the book, & I suppose copies will be bound in a week or two, & of course you will receive one.—⁴

I am so sick of the accursed subject, that I daresay if I look at my book in half-a-year’s time I shall read it with speechless admiration!

Yours ever affectionately | Ch. Darwin

I daresay you have heard that poor Effie (M^rs. Farrer)⁵ is much out of health & has gone to German Baths.