My dear Darwin

I have long delayed to thank you for your book on Earth-worms.¹ I was delayed in beginning to read it and read it slowly to enjoy it the more— It seems to me the best that even you have written in showing the splendid and great truths that may be found in common things— I wish we could all imitate you in being content to study the things that are just under our fee⁠⟨⁠t⁠⟩⁠

I am to go to Nice for a few weeks, to recruit after some days illness— Can I do anything for you there?

Sincerely your’s | James Paget.

Charles Darwin Esq