Darwin Correspondence Project

Down. | Bromley. | Kent. S.E.

Oct 18th

My dear Mr Bates

Many thanks for your very friendly note.— I am not at all surprised at the time which your Book has taken. Everyone finds the same thing. It is dull work, but must be borne. People differ about being hurried by Proofs: I hate it, so shd recommend you not to be in too great a hurry. Murray would be an excellent adviser when you had better begin. After M.S. sent in, proofs seldom arrive for first fortnight, & then the flow is steady. I am most anxious that yours shd be a real good Book; so do not hurry over proofs—; yet I have known some very few men correct too much, & flatten their style.— I find it good to correct in pencil & read aloud, & if it sounds well, not to plague more over it. But you write a capital style.

I am very glad you have finished paper for Linn. Soc. When I go to London, I must enquire for the Part; for it is not sent till enquired for. You need not ask me to read it carefully; I shall be sure to do that.— not having been in London I have not seen a paper which you told me would appear in Annals.

I am glad to hear about Mr Brown: I thought he was something remarkable!

Mrs Darwin & my Boy are well; but my children are cause of never ending anxiety to me.—

This is a stupid note, but I am tired with a long day's work.

With hearty good wishes for your work through the press— Dear Bates | Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin