P.S.—A great gun, Flourens, has written a little dull book against me; which pleases me much, for it is plain that our good work is spreading in France. He speaks of the engouement about this book, "so full of empty and presumptuous thoughts."
Down, Bromley, Kent, S.E. January 29, 1865.
My dear Wallace,—I must ease my mind by saying how much I admire the two papers you have sent me.
That on parrots[43] contained most new matter to me, and interested me extremely; that in the Geographical Journal[44] strikes me as an epitome of the whole theory of geographical distribution: the comparison of Borneo and New Guinea, the relation of the volcanic outbursts and the required subsidence, and the comparison of the supposed conversion of the Atlantic into a great archipelago, seemed to me the three best hits. They are both indeed excellent papers.—Believe me yours very sincerely,
CHARLES DARWIN.
Do try what hard work will do to banish painful thoughts.[45]
P.S.—During one of the later French voyages, a wild pig was killed and brought from the Aru Islands to Paris. Am I not right in inferring that this must have been introduced and run wild? If you have a clear opinion on this head, may I quote you?
5 Westbourne Grove Terrace, W. January 31, [1865?].