From Alfred Newton   27 November 1866

My dear Sir,

Pray accept my sincere thanks for the copy of your new edition which you have been so kind as to send me.¹ I should take it as a very great compliment that you have thus honoured me—were it not that I feel I owe the gift much more to your own good nature which prompts you to recognize the insignificant efforts of the humblest followers of natural science, than to any other cause—

I have had great pleasure in making (through my colleague Prof^r. Humphry) the acquaintance of your son at Trinity—² So far as regards the rewards given at present by the University it is perhaps well that his studies should be directed elsewhere—but I hope these will not in future occupy all his attention—³

You will I am sure be glad to hear that my lectures have been much better attended than I had any reason to hope, and that the study of Zoology seems to be not merely popularly but scientifically pursued among the Undergraduates—⁴

Trusting that your health will permit you with all speed to finish the great work we have been so long expecting,⁵ | I remain, my dear Sir, With very great respect, | Y^rs. most truly | Alfred Newton

C. Darwin, Esq^re.