To H. W. Bates   18 October [1862]¹

My dear M^r Bates

Many thanks for your very friendly note.—² I am not at all surprised at the time which your Book has taken.³ Everyone finds the same thing. It is dull work, but must be borne. People differ about being hurried by Proofs: I hate it, so sh^d recommend you not to be in too great a hurry. Murray⁴ would be an excellent adviser when you had better begin. After M.S. sent in, proofs seldom arrive for first fortnight, & then the flow is steady. I am most anxious that yours sh^d be a real good Book; so do not hurry over proofs—; yet I have known some very few men correct too much, & flatten their style.— I find it good to correct in pencil & read aloud, & if it sounds well, not to plague more over it. But you write a capital style.

I am very glad you have finished paper for Linn. Soc.⁵ When I go to London, I must enquire for the Part; for it is not sent till enquired for.⁶ You need not ask me to read it carefully; I shall be sure to do that.— not having been in London I have not seen a paper which you told me would appear in Annals.⁷

I am glad to hear about M^r Brown: I thought he was something remarkable!⁸

M^rs Darwin & my Boy are well;⁹ but my children are cause of never ending anxiety to me.—

This is a stupid note, but I am tired with a long day’s work.

With hearty good wishes for your work through the press— Dear Bates | Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin