From P. G. King   25 February 1869

My dear M^r. Darwin.

On reading the enclosed I could not help thinking of you. I suppose the variety is a sport—but who can say what might not be made of it by crossing & judicious selection—.¹

Did you ever get any answers to your queries about the habits and manners of our black fellows.² I tried to make some answers but I found myself unable to distinguish the aboriginal manner from the acquired habit. All blacks I have associated with have been more or less civilized.—

I often think of you & read y^r works. I obtained the first copy of y^r Domesticated Animals &c that arrived in the Colony. & noticed with much pleasure y^r mention of my name—.³

I hope you enj⁠⟨⁠oy⁠⟩⁠ better health than f⁠⟨⁠or⁠⟩⁠merly— you & I will soon ⁠⟨⁠be the⁠⟩⁠ last relics of the ⁠⟨⁠old⁠⟩⁠ Beagle.⁴ Don’t trouble to reply to this—tho I am always pleased to get a line from you. I may take a trip home one of these days & will hunt you up.

Ever y^rs sincerely | Philip Gidley King