My dear Sir

Telegram received last night.¹ I am starting for London immediately, and will see Mr Farrer this afternoon. Mr. F. was here the other day and told me he could not get Ld. Sandon to do anything.² He always promises that he will at once attend to the subject and then does nothing! Mr. Farrer spoke of subscription and discussing the subject with Mr. Caird.³ I will now tell Farrer that something must be done at once if ever. As soon as ever I can get anything settled definitely, you shall hear. I suppose you would not plant for a month. I have told Farrer I would subscribe £50.⁴ Possibly I could influence Ld. Derby.⁵ But I have not strength for much exertion. Unless Farrer & Caird will take up the subject in earnest the whole affair will be a failure and in my opinion a disgrace to the country. Farrer suspects that Ld. Sandon has lost all my long letters on the subject!⁶ My address, if you have anything to communicate (it is no use telegraphing) will be till early on next Monday morning “6 Queen Anne St. Cavendish Sq.

In Haste | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin.