Oct 18^th

My dear Fox

Many thanks to you for calling my attention to the Hybrids.¹ But I have seen them & read about them in French—   I at first quite disbelieved the case; but I suppose it is true; though by chance I had a note from Lyell this morning, who reports that some French naturalists believe whole story is Cock & a Bull.² It is the most curious case that ever was if true; for so many have failed to get Hybrids from Hare & Rabbit.—

We have been here for 4 weeks & return home in a weeks time.—   We came here for chance of the sea doing Etty good; & it has certainly to certain extent succeeded.³ At one time this summer I gave up all hopes of her recovery, but she does gain strength at a snail’s pace, & now suffers only from indigestion & weakness.⁴ We, all the others, are well; though I cannot boast very much of myself.—   I have done little of my regular work this summer; chiefly owing to incessant anxiety & movement on account of Etty. My correspondence about the “Origin” has also been gigantic, & a day hardly passes without one, two or three letters on the subject.

I have amused myself with a little natural History of other kinds; & have lately worked hard at the power of the Drosera or sun-dew in catching flies; & tremendous slaughter the plant makes.—

I shall be very glad to be at home again; for the weather is most dismal.— I hope that the world goes fairly well with you & yours.—

My dear old friend | Yours affectionately | C. Darwin