To F. H. Hooker   3 April [1873]

My dear M^rs. Hooker

I thank you & D^r. Hooker cordially for your splendid present, which I am very glad to possess.¹ But it is really too generous of you both. I had no idea how grand a work it was, & with such a profusion of illustrations. It must have cost you a surprising amount of labour, & you must be rejoiced that your voluntary task is over.

Pray believe me, my dear M^rs Hooker with sincere thanks | Yours very truly | Ch. Darwin