My Dear Sir/

I am very sorry I had not the pleasure of meeting with you when I called upon your Brother in Queen Anne Street.¹

I fully agree with you that the price of Land will steadily advance in this country for two reasons— The large influx of Gold, and the rapid increase of population which renders competition for farms so much greater than formerly; both causes tending to enhance the value of Land.—

I have lately had large commissions to purchase Land for The Commiss^rs. of Woods & Forests² but have been unable to acquire Estates to yield more than 3$\frac{1}{4}$ per cent—which is about the value of 3 per cent consols,—and I do not expect that purchases can be found for the future to yield more.—

It therefore appears to me better policy to invest money in Guaranteed Railway Stock, which at present prices can be done to secure 4$\frac{1}{2}$ per cent.—

I have great confidence in the G^t Nor. Co^y which is established on a firm basis: & is under the direction & manage^t. of competent Directors of high reputation—³

I have another estate in view near Louth,⁴ of the value of about £18,000; upon the sale of which I have been consulted; and I will let you know further particulars as soon as I can; and assuming that you do place your money on Railway Securities for a limited time; the add^l. interest you would receive will more than compensate the Brokers Commission for re-Investment; and if you could not purchase Land to your satisfaction your money might continue in Railway Stock; but I agree with you that it is not desirable for you to continue so large a sum in any Bankers hands at a loss of Interest.—

As my efforts to purchase the Heckington Estate failed, it is not my intention to make any charge, for my services—⁵

Altho’ I am in general good health, I am sorry to say my hands are so much affected by my late attack of gout, that I find it necessary to employ an Amanuensis—

I am Dear Sir | Yrs faithf^y | (signed) John Higgins

Cha^s R Darwin Esq