My dear Sir

I really do not know how to thank you for your truly magnificent presents. I have just been to London for a few days, & I found at the Geological Society your note of the 4^th of May with D^r. Owens Report;¹ & then on my return home I found arrived your own work on the Crustacea. You will believe me when I say that I fully appreciate the value of a copy on my shelves, when I tell you that copied out many pages, thinking that I sh^d at some future time wish to refresh my memory on several points.² I daresay you will before this ⁠⟨⁠have⁠⟩⁠ received a letter, which some short time ago I wrote (though at the risk of being thought by you rather presumptuous) to express my sincere admiration at this wonderful monument of labour & talent.³

With respect to D^r D. Owen’s work, I have as yet only looked at the wonderfully good illustrations;⁴ but everyone knows his reputation & I do not doubt I shall find much to interest me.

Accept, my dear Sir, my most cordial thanks, but really I do not deserve such kindness, with every good feeling & wish towards you, pray believe me | Your’s sincerely & gratefully | Charles Darwin