My dear M^r. Salvin

You have been very very kind. I do assure you that I had not the least intention to cause you so much trouble & to waste so much of your time. When I saw your bundle of observations, I felt as if I had committed theft, arson or murder.—¹ Although I can give only a page or so to the subject your notes will be very useful, & will save me from at least one blunder. Is not the structure of the beak of the Shoveller quite beautiful?—² it filled me with admiration. I have the beak of Malacorhynchus which is nearly as perfect as that of Spatula, but not quite so.—³ You give me plenty of facts for the lower end of the series.— I have got some observations on the habits from M^r Bartlett.⁴ Let me again cordially thank you.— My comfort is that so careful an examination can hardly fail to come in some day of use to you. Shall I not return your notes in about a month’s time, when my M.S. is printed?⁵ If you desire it, send me a card to this effect | Believe me | Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin