My dear Hooker.

The returned sheet is chiefly that which I read in M.S: parts seem to me (though perhaps it may be forgetfulness) much improved, & I retain my former impression that the whole discussion on the Australian Flora is admirably good & original. I know you will understand & not object to my thus expressing my opinion (for one must form one) so presumptuously.— I have no criticisms.— Except perhaps I sh^d. like you somewhere to say when you refer to me that you refer only to the notice in Linn: Journal; not that on my deliberate word of honour do I expect that you will think more favourably of the whole than of the suggestion in the Journal. I am far more than satisfied at what you say of my work; yet it would be as well to avoid the appearance of your remarks being a criticism on my fuller work.—¹

I am very sorry to hear that you are so hard worked.— I, also, get on very slowly, & have hardly as yet finished half my volume.— My health has been bad enough: with pretty bad returns of vomiting, & I returned on last Tuesday from a week’s Hydropathy.—²

Take warning by me & do not work too hard.— For God’s sake, think of this.— It is dreadfully up-hill-work with me getting my confounded volume finished.— I wish you well through all your labours.—

Adios | My dear Hooker | C. Darwin