My dear Price.

I am very sorry for your own sake & for that of your children to hear of your ill health, which sounds very suffering— I most truly wish that you may improve greatly.²

I am worked half to death on Plant-physiological experiments which cannot proceed slowly & I really have not strength to discuss difficult subject with anyone.

I have read Lyell’s works, the older & later editions over & over again, & have discussed evolution with him during many years.— Therefore it would be quite superfluous in me to look to the passages referred to.—³

With sincere good wishes for your fairly restored health.

I remain | My dear Price. | Signature cut off.⁴