Dear Darwin

I have but time to acknowlege the receipt of your excellent letter.¹ most delighted I was to receive it. & will prepare an answer embodying much news on the points you direct attention to, from Hodgson—² he is reading your journal with great delight & has given me some excellent pamphlets on breeds &c. for you from As. Soc. Jour.³ Do you know Pallas Memoir on degeneration of animals⁴ —a work not to be procured I suppose.—

I chiefly write to tell you that I never was in better health; have lost all my pains & ailments. Falconer has been very unwell—is better much—trying to commute English time into service.⁵ (i.e. washing Ethiop.⁶ &c)!.— How heartily I wish you were all well, & not only so little better as you announce yourself. Thats a startling fact about Barnacles ♂ ♀. I am rejoiced at your work progressing.

I will write you by next mail, but must break away now. Sincere regards to Mrs D. & love to the bairns

Yr affectionate friend | Jos D Hooker. July 24.

Dorjeeling due N. of Calcutta, 27^o N., in Sikim Himalayah. [illeg] 40’ S. of crest of Himal. i.e of ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ 28178 ft. now & now only known to be ⁠⟨⁠the h⁠⟩⁠ighest in the world!— The measurements of ⁠⟨⁠Sur⁠⟩⁠v. Gen. announced yesterday!!! were made last season⁷