From John Lubbock 6 January [1863]¹

15, Lombard Street. E.C.

6 Jan. /62

My dear M^r. Darwin

It would require a series of surly letters before I should think that you meant anything, but in this case I had not noticed it, but am glad that you should have thought so as it produced your kind letter received this morning.²

I am very glad that you approve both of my articles & of the number generally, but we have not it seems to me enough variety.³ Falconer’s article is certainly very interesting & capitally written.⁴ I wonder what you are thinking of doing about Owen?⁵

Do get better⁶ & believe me | Yours affec | John Lubbock

Footnotes

1

The year is established by the relationship between this letter and the letter to John Lubbock, 4 January [1863]; Lubbock wrote ‘/62’ in error.

2

In his letter to Lubbock of 4 January [1863], CD apologised for writing ‘surlily’.

3

Lubbock was one of the editors of the Natural History Review. The number for January 1863 contained two review articles by Lubbock ([Lubbock] 1863a and [Lubbock] 1863b), which CD praised in his letter to Lubbock of 4 January [1863].

4

Falconer 1863a was also published in the January 1863 number of the Natural History Review.

5

See letter to John Lubbock, 4 January [1863]. For CD’s comments on the conduct of Richard Owen towards Hugh Falconer and others, and his intended action, see the letter to J. D. Hooker, 3 January [1863].

6

In his letter to Lubbock of 4 January [1863], CD wrote that he had been ‘miserably uncomfortable’. See also letter to J. D. Hooker, 3 January [1863], and letter to Hugh Falconer, 5 [and 6] January [1863].