Dear Sir.

The Box arrived safe this evening   I have not yet opened it— I will never open 2 parcels at the same time. or if I ever do it shall be on separate tables., so you may rely on the seeds not getting mixed.— I am most grateful for the confidence you place in me by allowing me to look at your collection, which fairly astonishes me from the amount of labour which must have been bestowed on so many crosses.—² I will consider your generous offer of keeping certain peas;³ but I certainly shall want very few & possibly none, for it is not at present the character of the full grown offspring, only certain points in germination which interest me.⁴ But I shall be able to judge best after examining the Peas—

I am delighted at the opportunity of seeing so many crosses

With cordial thanks— In haste | Yours very faithfully. | Ch. Darwin.

I will keep the Box only for a few days or a week at most & will advise you when despatched.

P.S. | I have not expressed myself half strong enough. It must have cost you much time & trouble to have so kindly selected all these pods & their parents.

All that I can say is, is that as far (as) interest in the subject goes, your trouble & kindness have not been thrown away.