My dear Sir

I have delayed writing to you as I had hoped to have sent today by our weekly carrier the specimens you require.² But I have been prevented getting them out (for they are all stowed away in Bags) partly by having been unwell & by having engagements on those days when I was well.— I really will try this day next week get them out,: it w^d be no use getting them sooner, as our carrier goes only once a week & the cross-coaches are expensive carriage.—

Thank you much for your German Scientific newspaper, (which I suppose you do not wish returned)   I got through it with many sighs & groans & was interested with the Paper on the Habitats of plants, as well as by that on the Hybrids &c &c.

I am sure you will excuse my apparent, but unintentional neglect in not having sooner answered your note³ & forward the specimens.

Yours very faithfully | C. Darwin