My dear Huxley

I thank you for your very pleasant & amusing note & invitation to dinner, which I am sorry to say I cannot accept. I shall come up (stomach willing) on Thursday for Phil. Club Dinner & return on Saturday, & I am engaged to my Brother for Friday.¹ But I sh^d. very much like to call at the Museum on Friday or Saturday morning & see you.—² Would you let me have one line either here or at 57 Queen Anne St (W.) to say at what hour you generally come to Museum & whether you will be probably there on Friday or Saturday. Even if you are at Club, it will be mere chance if we sit near each other.

I will bring up the articles on Thursday afternoon & leave them under charge of Porter at the Museum.— They will consist of larger drawing of a Pouter, a Carrier & rather smaller drawings of some sub-varieties (which breed nearly true) of short-faced Tumblers. Also a small drawing of Scanderoon a kind of Runt & very remarkable breed.— Also a Book with very moderately good drawing of Fan-tail & Barb; but I very much doubt whether worth trouble of enlarging— Also a box (for Heaven-sake take care) with skull of Carrier & short faced Tumbler: also lower jaws (largest size) of Runt middle size of Rock Pigeon & the broad one of Barb. The form of ramus of jaw differs curiously in their jaws.—

Also M.S. of Hybridism & Pigeons,—which will just weary you to death: I will call myself for or send servant for the M.S. & Bones, whenever you have done with them; but do not hurry.—³

You have hit on exact plan, which on advice of Lyell, Murray &c I mean to follow, viz bring out separate volumes in detail & I shall begin with domestic productions;⁴ but I am determined to try & work very slowly so that, if possible, keep in somewhat better state of health. I had not thought of illustrations; that is capital advice.—⁵

Farewell my good & admirable agent for the promulgation of damnable heresies | Ever yours | C. Darwin