Yours faithfully, CHARLES DARWIN.
P.S.—I have mentioned your book to almost every one who, as far as I know, cares for the subject in England; and I have ordered a copy to be send to our Royal Society.
[The next letter, to Dr. Behrens, refers to the same subject as the last:]
CHARLES DARWIN TO W. BEHRENS. Down, August 29 [1878].
Dear Sir,
I am very much obliged to you for having sent me your 'Geschichte der Bestaubungs-Theorie' (Progr. der K. Gewerbschule zu Elberfeld, 1877, 1878.), and which has interested me much. It has put some things in a new light, and has told me other things which I did not know. I heartily agree with you in your high appreciation of poor old C. Sprengel's work; and one regrets bitterly that he did not live to see his labours thus valued. It rejoices me also to notice how highly you appreciate H. Muller, who has always seemed to me an admirable observer and reasoner. I am at present endeavouring to persuade an English publisher to bring out a translation of his 'Befruchtung.'
Lastly, permit me to thank you for your very generous remarks on my works. By placing what I have been able to do on this subject in systematic order, you have made me think more highly of my own work than I ever did before! Nevertheless, I fear that you have done me more than justice.
I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully and obliged, CHARLES DARWIN.
[The letter which follows was called forth by Dr. Gray's article in 'Nature,' to which reference has already been made, and which appeared June 4, 1874:]
CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. Down, June 3 [1874].