To John Le Couteur   6 April [1871]

Dear Sir

I should at any time have felt truly honoured by a communication from you, without any form of introduction.¹ I have during many years admired your admirable works & greatly profited by them.² My old & revered friend & instructor, the late Prof. Henslow³ used often to speak of your great powers of observation.— I shall feel greatly obliged by the communication of any fact, which you may be so good as to send me.

With much respect, I beg leave to remain | Dear Sir | Yours faithfully, | Ch. Darwin