My dear M^r. Darwin,

Your kind note of Monday last has only just reached me.² I cannot guess by what mischance it has so long remained unforwarded.

I return to town tomorrow; and if I do not hear from you that it will be inconvenient, I will call about your luncheon hour on Tuesday.

I ought to have replied to your note of Feb. 21^st., but omitted to do so in the expectation of meeting you at the Museum or elsewhere before I left town.³ I know, by personal observation, of no cases similar to that of Lasiocampa Quercus, except the generally well-known one of Orgyia antiqua, several ♂s of which may often be seen hovering about the almost wingless ♀.⁴

Stainton, however, in his “Manual” notes that the ♂s of several other Bombycidæ can be “assembled” by aid of a virgin ♀, as well as some of the Tiger Moths (Arctiidæ).⁵

I should indeed have been glad if you could have encouraged me by your presence when I read my paper to the Linnean Society; but I scarcely hoped that you would be well enough to attend.⁶ I did not lack supporters, however; for both Sir J. Lubbock & Wallace⁷ spoke ably, as well on the special subject as on the general question. But in fact there was no one who advanced anything worth answering on the other side, and what little was said was very effectually disposed of by the remarks of Wallace & Sir John.

With my compliments to M^rs. Darwin, | I remain | Very faithfully yours | Roland Trimen