My dear Hooker

I sh^d. think the note apologetical about the style of the abstract was best as note. I sh^d. hardly have thought the cotton illustration worth a note.—² But I write now to ask you to send me by return of post the M.S. on big genera, that I may make an abstract of a couple of pages in length.—³ I presume that you have quite done with it; otherwise I would not for anything have it back. If you tie it with string & mark it M.S for printing it will not cost, I sh^d. think more than 4^d.— I shall wish much to say that you have read this M.S. & concur; but you shall before I read it to Soc^y: hear the sentence.⁴

What you tell me, after speaking with Busk about length of abstract is an immense relief to me; it will make the labour far less, not having to shorten so much every single subject; but I will try not to be too diffusive.— I fear it will spoil all interest in my Book, whenever published.—⁵

The abstract will do very well to divide into several parts: thus I have just finished “variation under domestication” in 44 M.S. pages & that would do for one evening: but I sh^d. be extremely sorry if all could not be published together. What else you say about my abstract pleases me highly, but frightens me, for I fear I shall never be able to make it good enough.— But how I do run on about my own affairs to you!—

I was astonished to see Sir W. Hooker’s card here 2 or 3 days ago: I was unfortunately out walking. Henslow, also, has written to me proposing to come to Down on the 9^th,⁶ but alas I do not return till 13^th. & my wife not till week later; so that I am, also, most sorry to think I shall not see you, for I sh^d. not like to leave home so soon; I had thought of going to London & running down for an hour or two to Kew.—⁷

I am glad to hear poor Miss Jenyns’ suffering are over for ever.—⁸

Etty has made a little start forward these few last days, which inspirits us.—

Farewell | Ever yours | C. Darwin

Could I have clean proof to send to Wallace? Did you ask? if not, & you will tell me, I would write to Busk & ask him.

I have just bethought me, that simplest plan w^d. be to buy copy of Journal & send it, so that will cost no trouble.—⁹