My dear Darwin,

Yesterday’s Post brought me a Copy of your Book on Earth Worms from the Publisher, with a label “From the Author”.¹ Very many thanks for your kindness in directing it to be sent to me—you could not have sent me a more acceptable gift—and valuing it as I do for its intrinsic interest, I value it still more as a memorial of our old friendship—²

I felt that I ought to write to you a few words of condolence, when some weeks back I saw the announcement of your family sorrow; for I well knew how closely attached you & your brother were to each other—and the arrival of the Book seemed to reproach me for my neglect.³ I am sure he will long be missed & sorrowed for by his intimate friends; for he always seemed to me the kindest, the gentlest, and the most courteous of men— Few alas, of our common Cambridge friends survive. But I can report well to you of Whitley, with whom I spent 4 pleasant days at his Northumberland Parsonage, in the last week in September.⁴

With my kind regards to M^rs. Darwin,— | believe me, my dear old friend | always yrs | J. M. Herbert

C. Darwin Esq