Darwin Correspondence Project

Shrewsbury

Friday

My dear Fox

I should have written to you before, only that whilst our expedition lasted I was too much engaged, & the conclusion was so unfortunate, that I was too unhappy to write to you. this weeks quiet at home, & the thoughts of Woodhouse next week has at last given me courage to relate my unfortunate case.—

I started from this place about a fortnight ago to take an Entomological trip with Mr Hope through all North Wales: & Barmouth was our first destination. the two first days I went on pretty well, taking several good insects, but for the rest of that week, my lips became suddenly so bad, & I myself not very well, that I was unable to leave the room, & on the Monday I retreated with grief & sorrow back again to Shrewsbury. The two first days I took some good insects, Cillenum latterale, (Stephens, 16th. No) Heterocerus 2. species. Calathus latus, (bad specimen of), & crocopus: Opatrum tibiale: Cerambyx nebulosus: & many others: But the days that I unable to go out, Mr. Hope did wonders several rare species, of the genera Helobia, Carabus, Omaseus, Elater Nothiophilus, & to day I have received another parcel of insects from him, such Colymbetes, such Carabi, & such magnificent Elaters, (2 species of the bright scarlet sort). I am sure you will properly sympathise with my unfortunate situation; I am determined I will go over the same ground that he does before Autumn comes, & if working hard will procure insects I will bring home a glorious stock.—

It is so long a time since I have heard from you, that I am very anxious to receive a letter I want to know what you have been doing lately, & what your plans are for the rest of the summer. Catherine wants to know whether Mrs. Fox & Julia are returned to Osmaston? I am most dreadfully stupid here, so you must excuse this equally stupid letter. I hope you will write soon, & then I will promise to write a longer one.—

Catherine sends her kind <remem>brances to you & the rest of your family, in which I beg leave to join & believe me My dear Fox, Yours most sincerely, | Chas. Darwin

I hope the boxes have arrived safe: keep an account of how much money I am indebted to you, as I have already forgotten

I forgot to tell you, that my Father has got two Martens, I believe both species, ready mounted at Mr. Shaws, & I have got a dundiver, which can be sent anytime you like