To John Higgins   21 December [1850]

My dear Sir

In all probability I shall have very nearly 5000£ to invest soon¹ & as I do not see any particularly good investment, it has occurred to me to consult you how Land is now selling.— Is there any likelihood of you meeting in the course of the next few months a small piece of land of above value which would pay a moderate rate of interest. I certainly would not invest any more money at the same rate of purchase at which Beesby was purchased owing to the depreciation of Agricultural produce. I sh^d. be much obliged if you would let me have your opinion. I feel sure for my Father’s sake you will advise me to the best in your power. With my large & growing family it behoves me to do my best in making safe & wise investments.

Pray believe me. My dear Sir | Yours sincerely | C. Darwin

You will understand that I have not positively made up my mind to invest the ^£5000 in Land, but sh^d. like to do so could I meet with anything paying a moderately fair return.

PS^nd. It is very dull of me, but I cannot remember what was the end of M^r Mason,² the Clergyman’s, wish to buy a little bit of land off me.—