My dear Sir

I shall be very glad to oblige M^r Mason: I certainly do not want to sell, but please to tell him with my compliments that if he prefers buying to taking a lease of it, the bit of land is at his service.¹ I have myself been similarly circumstanced & disappointed & therefore am all the gladder to oblige M^r Mason.² As you remark, I expect not to be put to any expence.—

I had intended before rent-time asking you a trifling question: I observe that the Banker charges 9^s for remitting the money on a 3 weeks draft. Now I am so ignorant of money matters that I do not know what risk there is in drafts being sent by Post: are they often forged; for if so, paying 9^s would be worth it as an insurance. Otherwise I gruudge wasting 18^s per annum. Can Drafts be scored to a Banker, like cheques, that would make them essentially quite safe?

When at your leisure, will you be so kind, as to tell me what is best. & believe me my dear Sir | Yours very faithfully | C. R. Darwin. To J. Higgins Esq^e