Shrewsbury
Monday
My dear Sir
I should have written to you sometime ago, only I was determined to wait for the
Clinometer: & I am very glad to say I think it will answer admirably: I put all
the tables in my bedroom, at every conceivable angle & direction I will venture
to say I have measured them as accurately as any Geologist going could do.— It
cost 25s. made of wood, but the lid with plate of brass
graduated.— Cary did not approve of a bar for the
plumb: so that I had heavy ball instead.— I have been working at so
many things: that I have not got on much with Geology: I suspect, the first expedition I
take, clinometer & hammer in hand, will send me back very little wiser &
good deal more puzzled than when I started.— As yet I have only indulged in
hypotheses; but they are such powerful ones, that I suppose, if they were put into
action but for one day, the world would come to an end.— I have not heard from
Prof: Sedgwick, so I am afraid he will not pay the severn formations a visit.—
I hope & trust you did your best to urge him:— And now for the
Canaries.— I wrote to Mr. Ramsay, the little information which
I got in town.— But as perhaps he had left Cam. I will rehearse it.—
Passage 20£: ships touch & return, during the months of June
to February.— But not seeing myself the Broker, the 2 most important
questions remain unanswered, viz. whether it means June inclusive & how often
they sail.— I will find this out before very long.— I hope you
continue to fan your Canary ardor: I read & reread Humboldt, do you do the same,
& I am sure nothing will prevent us seeing the Great Dragon tree.—
Would you tell L. Jenyns, that his magnificent present of Diptera has not been
wasted on me Would you ask him how he manages Diptera when too small for a pin to go
through.— I am very anxious to hear how Mrs. Henslow
is.— I am afraid she will wish me at the bottom of the Bay of Biscay, for
having been the first to think of the Canaries.— I am going now to trouble you
with several questions.— Do you know A. Ways direction? Do you by any
chance recollect the name of a fly that Mr. Bird sent through
Downes.— And now for a troublesome commission,
would you be kind enough to exert your wellknow judgment & discretion in
choosing for me a Stilton Cheese; fit for eating pretty soon.— Would you have
it directed to Shrewsbury & I will pay the man, when I come up in
October.—
Excuse all the trouble I am giving you, & Believe me my dear Sir | Yours ever
most sincerely | Chas. Darwin
Eyton begs to be most kindly remembered to you.— his mind is in a fine
tropical glow.—
