Dear M^r Darwin

I greatly regret my carelessness in not writing again to tell you, I did not send the books, but have them still.² The reason was, that when I took my M.S.S. to Hardwicke, he said he would put it in type immediately & send me the proofs in a few days.³ Then I thought, If that was the case, I had better keep the books till the Proof came, in case I might have to refer to them again: I did so, & hoping to get the proof, as he promised I did not write, but it only arrived on Sat^y. night last!

I am much obliged for your kindness in so readily acceding to my request to look over the sheets which I send enclosed. Please do not hesitate to make any disparaging comments you may think fit; or any suggestion you may deem desirable

I have added a little postscript for your consideration as to whether you would allow me to subjoin.⁴

I should be obliged by the return of the proof at your earliest convenience as publishers are apt to get rather importunate sometimes!