WCP5295

[1]

DOWN,

BECKENHAM, KENT.

RAILWAY STATION

ORPINCTON. S.E.R.

Dec. 19th [18]79

My dear Hooker.

I am greatly in debted to you. Your letter is conclusive & I quite agree. I thought any of Wallace's [illeg.] & of [illeg.] his service to nat[ural] history, & while you say about spiritualism & <exploring?> about the bet, never once crossed my mind.— What a mistake & <nigh?> I it? <There?> made [2] had I not compelled you. — I am, however, very sorry & must write to Miss. B. There I can do nothing. Once again I thank you <much?> truly.

Ever yours| Ch[arles] Darwin [signature]

[3] P.S. Please Thank Dryer for me for this— These of the edition are a treasure to me. My work must & I have torn end, otherwise you & Dryer will wish me dead & buried as a Sir say than semi than sure of [2 words illeg.], had I <&?> <noble?> whether they are life?