My dear Henslow

I have just received your letter. as the waggon goes tomorrow, I pack up the specimens at once.— I believe you may keep them all.— They all come from the Maldeeve & Chagos lagoon-islands or atolls in the Indian Ocean,—islands precisely like Keeling Island.—

I hope they may be of any use to you.—

I send a couple copy of abstract of my worm Paper useless to me.—

Of course you have thought of Drummonds light.—¹ Also of the use put to burn coral, shells, & limestone in the East Indian Archipelago to give a relish to the chewing of Betel.— In S. America, I believe potash is used, in analogous manner in chewing the Cocos leaves—²

I am in a hurry so goods Bye | C. Darwin

Do you recollect our discussion about varieties of same plants not having three primary—³ Surely I have seen pale yellow hyacinth, & certainly blue & pink ones.— pray tell me is it not so.—