To Leonard Jenyns   [20 or 27 October 1839]

My dear Jenyns.

Yesterday was so like Sunday, that I forgot till too late there was a post, so your letter remains unanswered till tomorrows post.— I can hardly tell without enquiring the cost of drawing writing proving, printing & paper—but it is of no consequence, for I cannot tolerate the idea of your having to pay a farthing— I am heartily thankful to you for having undertaken & gone so thoroughily to work on the Fish part of my collection, wh. otherwise in all probability would have been wasted.—

When you have brought up the specimens which you think ought to be figured, we will, as you propose, talk over it—& you most certainly shall have as many illustrations as you think are desirable.

What you say about regretting there was not an earlier selection of the objects for figuring applies too truly & with more force to all the other parts of the work.— Most people & I among the rest learn only by experience & in this case I am never likely to profit by it.—

I am astonished & glad to hear how many new things you seem to have found—four new genera is something—

Farewell & do not ‘fash’ yourself, as a scotchman would say, about the engravings — — We must charge a little higher price on the number.

Dear Jenyns | Yours most truly | Charl. Darwin