From Richard Owen   11 June 1839

Dear Darwin,

I have read far enough into your Journal to feel that I have to thank you for the most delightful book in my collection. It is as full of good original wholesome food as an egg, & if what I have enjoyed has not been duly digested it is because it has been too hastily devoured. I leave it reluctantly—tired eyes compelling—at night, and greet it as a new luxury at the breakfast table:

ever your faithful & obliged, | Rich^d. Owen.