From Henry Holland   19 May [1862]¹

My dear Charles

Though dating from Brook S^t., I am beginning this letter from the house of a patient— Its purport is to thank you for the very interesting volume on the orchids, which you have been good enough to send me;² the major half of which I have already perused; & the remainder of which I look to with the same expectation of pleasure

There are two or three comments which occur to me on the subject, as it bears upon the principle of “natural selection”. But these matters lie beyond the limits of a note, & I will not enter upon them now. I earnestly wish your time, & your health, gave us more frequent opportunities of meeting & talking over these subjects.

I should gladly hear of any improvement in the state of your little Boy, as respects this singular form of malady.³ Let me know if there is anything which can be considered a change in the character of the symptoms

Ever, my dear Sir | Yours affec^ly | H Holland