My dear Hooker

I am glad to have seen Gladstone’s letter, for one does read a Prime Minister’s letter every day.²

Thanks about Strachey’s article: I had thrown the number in the waste paper basket, but fished it out; & as the man shows such admirable power of discrimination I will read the whole article.³ Pray thank Prof. Dyer for his intended notes: it is good news to me that it is Sach’s book, for I have been blundering over parts with much interest.⁴ The additions to the 3^d Edit, just out, seem very important.⁵ I wish he was more controversial: I can see no discussion on Paul Berts admirable (as it seemed to me) paper on the essential difference of the movements in Mimosa from irritation & from so-called sleep.⁶ Again he apparently gives no reason for ignoring Cohn on the contraction of cells, independently of their elasticity; though I imagine that I see where Cohn’s flaw lies.⁷

You are a real good man about Drosophyllum: when sent to Orpington St., have it packed up so that leaves may not be injured, & inform me.⁸ It is wonderful how many points I omitted to observe, which I ought to have observed.

Ever yours affectionately | Ch Darwin

I have become wonderfully interested in Drosera & Dionæa, & have two months work in experiments next summer: the plants of Dionæa which you sent are going on pretty well, but I must try & purchase some bigger plants next summer.⁹

Did I ever boast to you on the success, as judged by the lowest standard of sale, of my Expression Book— 9000 copies have now been printed off, & most of them sold!¹⁰