My dear Sir

I am much obliged for the present of your two papers. I have not had time as yet to do more than glance at them & refer to the case of the Galloways.¹ I had heard something of this latter case, but not in such detail. I have nearly finished printing a book on the Variation of domestic animals;² but I am sorry to say for my own sake that the chapter on cattle is printed off, so that I shall not be able at present to profit by your papers.³ I have been interested by all your previous work, & I am sure I shall be so in an especial degree on the descent of the species of Rhinoceros.⁴

As far as I understand your plans of ascertaining the amount of difference between existing & extinct forms, it seems to me very good; & I feel sure that the attempt will be valuable & very interesting.⁵

Permit me to add that your letter has pleased me much, for from your previous papers I supposed that you considered species to be immutable, & as I am an advocate for mutability, the opinion of so able a judge as yourself was a great discouragement to me.

With my best thanks & sincere respect for your scientific labours I remain | My dear Sir | Yours very faithfully | Charles Darwin

W. Boyd Dawkins

Upminster | Romford