Dear Sir,

I beg leave to thank you very sincerely for your kindness in sending me through Mr Walsh your admirable paper on American Deer—¹

It is quite full of most interesting observations, stated with the greatest clearness. I have seldom read a paper with more interest, for it abounds with facts of direct use for my work. Many of them consist of little points which hardly anyone besides yourself has observed, or perceived the importance of recording— I would instance the age at which the horns are developed (a point on which I have lately been in vain searching for information)² the rudiment of horns in the female elk³—& especially the different nature of the plants devoured by the deer & elk⁴—& several other points—⁵

With cordial thanks for the pleasure & instruction which you have afforded me & with high respect for your powers of observation

I beg leave to remain Dear Sir | Yours faithfully & obliged | Charles Darwin