From John Chapman   19 July 1873

Dear Sir,

Referring to your kindness in the matter of the Westminster Review, on behalf of which you were good enough to join in an appeal to persons interested in the cause of liberal and scientific thought, I beg to enquire whether you can manage to spare a few minutes to see my friend D^r Wild who desires to speak with you respecting the Review, and who would be glad to call upon you at any time you may be good enough to appoint.¹

Please to present my respects to M^rs. Darwin and believe me, dear Sir, Very truly yours | John Chapman

Charles Darwin Esq. | F.R.S. &c &c

P.S. The following passage which I have just met with may interest you:—

“The Maories, who are distinguished for the habit of accurately observing the facts of nature, have remarked that some of the small native birds are gradually disappearing, and they allege that those birds are in the habit of gathering their food by dipping their long tongues into the blossoms of native trees, but that since the introduction of bees the latter have likewise sought the same blossoms for honey, and while concealed in the flower have stung the tongues of the birds, and so caused their death.”

New Zealand. By Alexander Kennedy. London: 1873.²