To Caroline Darwin   [9 November 1836]

My dear Caroline,

I did not write yesterday Evening because my plans were so unsettled. They are not quite so yet. I hope to start by the mail on Friday Evening. Will you ask if the Phaeton can be sent for me on the Saturday to Stone,¹ that is provided you do not hear from me tomorrow to say the Contrary. My fossil bones are all unpacked at the College of Surgeons, and I have some doubt whether I shall anyhow be able to finish them tomorrow. Some of them are turning out great treasures. One animal, of which I have nearly all the bones is very closely allied to the Ant Eaters, but of the extraordinary size of a small horse. There is another head, as large as a Rhinoceros which as far as they can guess, must have been a gnawing animal.² Conceive a Rat or a Hare of such a size— What famous Cats they ought to have had in those days! Do not think me very unfeeling, but I almost wish I was not coming down to Shropshire, for it will be such a hurry skurry visit— I think I ought to be back in London. I think I ought to be back in London in 14 or 16 days. So that besides a couple of days at Maer and Overton, I have Woodhouse, Eyton, & other visits to pay, which I should grieve to omit— Anyhow we shall have a nice quiet drive together. Whilst in Shropshire I have some Geology to do. M^r. Murchison has lent me a manuscript map, and has asked me to look at a part of the Country, which he has been describing— It is near Minsterley,³ a very beautiful scene of very ancient true volcanic phenomenæ.—

My London visit has been very pleasant, but too much visiting, although only to people whom I am delighted to become acquainted with. Erasmus is just returned from driving out Miss Martineau.— Our only protection from so admirable a sister-in-law is in her working him too hard. He begins to perceive, (to use his own expression) he shall be not much better than her “nigger”.— Imagine poor Erasmus a nigger to so philosophical & energetic a lady.— How pale & woe begone he will look.— She already takes him to task about his idleness— She is going some day to explain to him her notions about marriage— Perfect equality of rights is part of her doctrine. I much doubt whether it will be equality in practice. We must pray for our poor “nigger”.—

Remember me to all at Maer. I long to have a good walk in all the old haunts, and round the pool.

Good bye, | C. Darwin—