To W. B. Tegetmeier   [15–22 August 1856]¹

My dear Sir

I write one line merely to thank you for your most clear chart of the Runts.— With respect to your very kind offer of Runts, I will hereafter write to you: if, as I imagine, you allude to the Victoria or Smyrna Runts, though extremely pretty, I do not think they differ in proportions & that is my sole object.—² There would be no end to my collection if I allowed myself to be influenced by beauty.—

Far from thinking that you treated me “cavalierly” at Anerly, I was struck by your kindness, as on all other occasions, considering what a weight of work you had on your shoulders—³

In Haste | Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin