To J. D. Hooker   [14 November 1846]

My dear Hooker

No one of my children was ever so delighted with a new plaything as I am with the looks of my charming lens’. Many thanks for them.

I write now to propose, as you say you have nothing else to do in London, that I shall come down to Kew on Thursday or Friday.— If both days suited you equally well, you should leave the choice open to me, according as my stomach feels; otherwise I would come on either day fixed by Luncheon time.

If I do not hear from you, in note to Park S^t., I shall expect you on Friday at Park S^t. at 11$\frac{1}{2}$.—

I find the microscope work really delightful, & I am this morning going to begin with a new animal & with my new lens’.—

Farewell— what a good thing is community of tastes, I feel as if I had known you for fifty years— adios | C. Darwin