My dear Hooker

As I do nothing all day, I often get fidgetty, & I now fancy that Charlie² or some of your family ill. When you have time let me have a short note to say how you all are.— I have had some fearful sickness: but what a strange mechanism one’s body is; yesterday suddenly I had a slight attack of rheumatism in my back & I instantly became almost well & so wonderfully strong that I walked to the Hothouse, which must be more than 100 yards.—³

I have sent Scott’s paper to Linn. Soc.—⁴ I feel sure it is really valuable, but I fear few will care about it. Remember my urgent wish to be able to send the poor fellow a word of praise from anyone.—⁵ I have had work to get him to allow me to send the paper to Linn. Soc; Even after it was written! out.—⁶

I asked in former letter about Herbert Spencer, & now I see a number come about Variation &c,—⁷ but I cannot of course at present read it.—

I find it hard to be patient; now for five months I have done nothing but be sick.—⁸

Farewell my dear old friend.— | C. D.—