My dear Darwin,

I duly received your note when in Wilts,¹ where I found it too hot to go much about. I am much pleased with the invitation, but more especially so to find from it that you are well enough to entertain your friends. I met Wallace on Sunday at the Z. G., & he told me that he intended to be with you.²

Sclater tells me that he is as desirous as anyone can be to get hold of the African rhinoceros, but he still haggles about the price. He showed me an excellent portrait of the beast.³

Yours very truly, | E Blyth