From J. H. Gilbert   5 June 1881

Dear M^r. Darwin—

I hope you will not think me an incorrigible bore, if I once more say how very much delighted Mr Lawes and myself would be if you could pay Rothamsted a visit within the present month?¹ It is just at this season that our “Grass-Experiments” are at their best for inspection; and although the agricultural result is not very promising, I think the differences among the 20 plots, now in the 26^th season of experiment, are perhaps as striking as ever, as illustrating the vast influence of external conditions on the character and results of the struggle between the numerous components of an established mixed herbage.

And it is just before the time of cutting the “grasses” that the other field experiments begin to be of interest.

We had intended to propose Saturday June 18 to Professor Asa Gray, who, before he left for the Continent expressed a wish to come down, but I gather from Sir Joseph Hooker that it is uncertain whether he will then have returned to this country.² Would that day be convenient to yourself? In that case Mr Lawes, who has not yet the pleasure of your acquaintance, begs me to say it will give him much pleasure to see you at Rothamsted, to dine and sleep, the night before; so as to lessen your fatigue. In case Asa Gray were available, we should ask him and Sir J. Hooker for the Saturday, but should keep the party very limited, unless you felt that it would not be more fatiguing, and that it would be agreeable to meet other naturalists on the ground? This would be arranged entirely as you might prefer. Or what other day in the following week would suit you better?

I am, My Dear Sir, Yours sincerely— | J. H. Gilbert