To Robert Fitch   [5 February 1850]

My dear Sir

Amongst the specimens first sent, there is one embedded with its back downwards, presenting a concavity upwards: it is in present state absolutely & utterly useless every character is hidden: if you like, I will soak it & clear chalk off— But do not say yes, without you would like it, for I have not the least idea what the valve is, it may be new or it may be old.—& nothing will ever be known about it in its present state.—

I have well exhibited the additional side to the carina, which you granted me permission to do, & it is now the best specimen which I have seen & I will have it figured.—¹ I have just made out a quite new beautiful & distinct species of Pollicipes out of the lot last sent² The species are very numerous—for in M^r Flower of Croydon’s³ small collection I have found two other new & distinct species of Scalpellum from Chalk.—⁴

Yours very faithfully | C. Darwin Down Farnborough Kent

Tuesday.— P.S. I have opened this note to thank you very sincerely for your renewed proof of your kindness in your letter just received.—⁵