From Albany Hancock   25 July 1869

My dear Sir,

My having been from home must account for the delay that has occurred in replying to your note of the 17^th Inst. I have just returned after an absence of upwards of a week.¹

It would give me great pleasure to assist you to the required Calcareous Sponges, but I unfortunately have no collection of them—² I possess, however a few of the British Clionæ and could supply two or three species of these curious excavating forms if you think they would be of any service.³

The gentleman best able to aid you is the Rev. A. M. Norman,⁴ Newbattle—Fence-Houses, Durham— He has an extensive collection of British Sponges, and would, I, am sure, have much pleasure in giving every assistance in his power.— I have given his address above, that you can if you think proper apply to him direct;—or should you prefer it I will make the application in your name—

With every wish to aid you in this matter—I am | My dear Sir, | Your’s ever truly | Albany Hancock.

Ch. Darwin Esq^re