Dear Romanes,

I return M^r. Darwin’s letter.¹

I will set about speaking to the subscribers to the fund as I have opportunity, but from what I know of Allen I am still inclined to think that he would appreciate the acknowledgment more if it came to him after his payment of the second instalment.² He is extremely sensitive on the matter, and if he should be unable to complete the payment as soon as some time ago he hoped, he would feel it more because of what he would consider the new obligation. When his original “debt” (as he thinks it) is wiped off, he will be in the mood to regard the new gift or testimonial in the light that we should like.³ At all events, it might be well to delay till after I (or you) have seen him. He is coming up to lecture at the Lond. Institution on the 6^th. & will stay here for a day or two then.⁴

The subscribers number 15, without Trübner.⁵ Would it not be the best plan to agree to ask for an equal contribution from each, since it will only be very small even for a rather superior microscope? I suppose a very good one might be got for about £20, but you will know.

Yours ever | G Croom Robertson