Dear Sir

I fear you will have thought me neglectful ere this—but I have been in sad grief and trouble lately. There has been nothing but illness and death in our family for the last six months.¹ I hardly expect my poor Mother to get through the night— It is impossible she can last long.² With so many troubles and anxieties one’s thoughts are seldom free.—

After receiving your first note with regard to Prim: sin: I went to all the gardens in our neighbourhood. But it was then too late.³ Where ten or twelve dozen plants are grown annually I could only find four or five exhausted plants—almost bloomed to death and not fair specimens to judge by. That there are three forms I am quite certain. I took notes of the numbers but as no garden furnished more than 2 or 3 good i.e. healthy plants I dont think it is any use.⁴

My own little garden has been terribly neglected of late, for as every hour during the last fortnight, might have been my Mother’s last I hardly like to leave the house. And my garden is some little distance away. However brighter times must surely come at last, and I try to look forward hopefully to the time when this tide of trouble which has has been running in so long will once more ebb

Yours very respectfully | C. W. Crocker

C. Darwin Esq.