Dear Bates
I congratulate you very sincerely on your marriage.2 Judging from my own experience it is the best & almost only chance for what share of happiness this world affords. I hope you may succeed, for the sake of science, in getting fixed near London.—3
I am heartily glad to hear that your great labours over your Book are drawing to a close:4 I know that I for one shall read it with real interest.— Pray thank Wallace when you see him about Melastomas;5 I have in truth given more trouble on this, than case deserves, & am truly obliged to you. The fact is I cannot endure being beaten by a beggarly flower to the degree, which these confounded Melastomas have beaten me.— I am pleased to hear of discussion on species at Zoolog. Soc.—6
With my renewed congratulations & hopes for your happiness, believe me | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin
Please cite as “DCP-LETT-3945,” in Ɛpsilon: The Charles Darwin Collection accessed on