My dear Sir

I am very much obliged to you for so kindly sending me your “Great Ice Age”  It is a most acceptable present, as I have long intended to read the first Edit: but have never yet found time—¹ The Subject is one which fascinates me, chiefly owing to a little incident which I will mention as showing the grand progress of Geology— When I was a boy an acute old Gentleman who had attended to Geology & Natural history showed me a boulder in Shropshire & assured me solemnly that the world would pass away before any one could explain how this great stone came from Cumberland or Scotland—² This made a deep impression on me & you may believe how delighted I was some 40 years ago, when floating ice action was first broached. to be followed some years afterwards by glacier action—³

With very sincere thanks. | I remain Dear Sir. | Yours faithfully | Charles Darwin.