To J. D. Hooker   14 August [1869]¹

My dear Hooker

I write one line to tell you that you are a real good man to propose coming here for a Sunday after Exeter—² Do keep to this good intention.

It is very bad news about y^r poor boy & we are both grieved to hear it.³ I am not at all surprized that it makes you out of spirits. You must feel much perplexed what to do, & I shall be glad to talk about your plans with you when you are here. I am sure Exeter & your other visit will do you good.⁴ I often wonder how you stand all y^r multifarious work.

I quite agree about the folly of the endless subscriptions for dead men; but Faraday is an exception & if you will pay 3 guineas for me, it will save me some trouble;⁵ but it will be best to enclose a cheque, which as you will see, must be endorsed. If you read the North. Brit. Rev. you will like to know that George has convinced me, from correspondence in style & spirit, that the article is by Tait, the co-worker with Thompson.⁶

I was much surprized at the leaves of Drosophyllum being always rolled backwards at their tips, but did not know that it was a unique character.⁷

Thanks for all the news in y^r letter   yours affectionately | Ch. Darwin