From Julius von Haast   6 August 1863¹

My dear D^r Darwin!

Our mutual friend D^r Hooker tells me, that he could not deliver to you my enclosed letter of December,² because it miscarried in some way, fortunately I sent a copy of it in March, so that you will now be aware of its contents.³ A few days ago I had a letter from M^r. Petschler of Auckland, who thinks, he will very soon be able to obtain the frog in question.⁴ I had the pleasure of sending you by the bookpost a map of the Province of Canterbury, the first product of our new lithographic-press.⁵ I have marked in different colours my various journeys; from the upwards the country was unexplored and unsurveyed so that I had to construct also the topographical map.

I also marked D^r Hector’s (the Otago geologist) line of journey,⁶ who in crossing the Alps near the boundary of both Provinces, came upon a river flowing in a northerly direction, and thus came into our Province. When within 8 or ten miles of the sea he had to return, from want of Provisions. Another journey is also marked, that of the late M^r Whitcombe a very accomplished surveyor,⁷ who was drowned, begin of Mai, at the mouth of the R. Teramakau (Westcoast). Unfortunately his field book was lost and the only thing found on the body, was the map on which the course of the Okitiki was traced, which has been copied in this map.

In looking over the map, you will without doubt observe, that your name adorns one of our snowy giants.⁸ It was the only feeble tribute which one of your zealous adherents could offer you.—

Believe me ever | most faithfully yours | Julius Haast.