WCP7140

[1]

Down, Beckenham

Dec. 19^th. 1879

Confidential

My dear Miss Buckley

I put Wallace’s claims strongly before Hooker, and I resolved if he thought that there was a fair chance of getting the signature of the President of the Scientific Soc. and of some dozen eminent naturalists to work the plan to my utmost.¹ But I grieve to say that Hooker, though wishing earnestly for Wallace’s welfare, is convinced and has convinced me that the plan is hopeless. — He says that Wallace gave deep offence by bringing on before the British Association in opposition to the Committee a discussion on Spiritualism, and secondly that unfortunate bet about the flatness of the earth which has lowered him much in the opinion of most scientific men.² Hooker says if I were to go on, I should be bound in honour to let the Government know of these affairs. — It is hopeless. Should I hear by any strange changce of any [2] place for which W. would be fitted, assuredly I will not forget him, but I am as little likely as any man in England to hear of such a place.

My dear Miss Buckley | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin