To J. S. Henslow   [28 May 1837]¹

My dear Henslow

I am very much obliged to you for thinking of sending me up the chart and account of Diego Garcia.—² It is a beautiful instance of a Lagoon Island,—but I was previously aware of its existence.— On Wednesday I am going to read a short account of my views of the whole affair,³ and Lyell I believe intends giving up the crater doctrine.—⁴ so that I am just at present full of interest on the subject.—

I fear by your letter you cared more about the edible Fungi than I thought.— I took them to M^r Brown, who said he had never seen anything of the sort before, & appeared interested on the subject, but whether he means describe them, & for what he wants them,—I have not a guess at some future time, if I can summon courage I will ask him, but I stand in great awe of Robertus Brown.—

I forgot to say I hope you will express my thanks to M^r Parker, for his kindness in so readily forwarding the chart;— I know of no particular

questions to ask; as the only one of which I am very anxious that of subsidence, would require a very guarded examination on the spot, with such ideas in view.—

I have told Eyton you would take Freycinet,⁵ & he now tells me he has the whole of the letter press; which I send together with this letter.—

Since writing last, our plans about publishing are become definite with respect to time.— I shall begin to print in the beginning of August; but the whole will not be published till November 1^st.— The questions about plants are very few in number which I want answered, and I will copy them out on the other side.— A man ought to go round the world two or three times to learn experience. I suspect I have begun at the wrong end, I ought to have published detailed Geology, & Zoology first; & then all general views might have come out in as perfect a form, as the subject permitted.— Now the first book, will consist of mere series of imperfect sketches.— But it cannot be helped, and I am determined not to plague myself about it. Things shall take their course, and I will do as well as I can.— I will copy out the list of Botanical questions on a separate piece of paper.—

I have been paying the Beagle a visit to day. She sails in a week for Australia. It appeared marvellously odd to see the little vessel—and to think that I should not be one of the party.— If it was not for the sea sickness, I should have no objection to start again.— I envy you people in the country; even the smoky gardens near Greenwich looked quite beautiful, so fresh & green.—

Yours ever most truly | Chas. Darwin—

N.B. If you should ever have an opportunity, will you send one of those junctions of the Parasitical bush & Beech, which I brought home for M^r Brown.— I have always forgotten it.—