Dear Sir

It would give me great pleasure to assist you in your valuable scientific labours.—¹

I cannot remember whether I collected many lice; I think I did some; but part of my collection was lost & from ill-health & my extreme wish to finish one part of my materials (viz Geology) has prevented me for a long time going through my zoological collection.— I intend, however, doing this soon; & you may rely on it, that I will put on one side, everything I find, which is in your department, & will then communicate with you.—² I fear the result will be small, if any.—

Everything I collected was properly ticketed & if you ask M^r. Waterhouse,³ I think he can tell you (if the specimens came from me) at least what country, & I sh^d think the specimens w^d have had a separate number, which w^d tell the bird, by reference to me.—

With my best wishes for your success.— Believe me | Yours very faithfully | C. Darwin