My dear Hooker

It will be the most delightful thing in the world if you can pay us a visit at Freshwater.¹

We were to have started on Thursday, but I have been so baddish of late that I am doubtful whether the journey w^d be endurable.² As soon as we are settled & I feel that I have even moderate powers of talk in me I will at once let you hear. I am glad you are going to say in your address that you have not time to work up an elaborate affair, for I think every one will see that this is reasonable in the head-man of a large establishment.³ It cuts me to the quick to be honest, but I think you w^d be wise not to touch on Pangenesis. It has so very friends; Bentham as you know, is very doubtful or hostile;⁴ Victor Carus dead against it;⁵ & Alf. de Candolle says he likes it much the least of the whole book. By the way I was much pleased & surprized by a very long letter from Decandolle, in which he shews he is fond of speculation.⁶ Altho’ I advise thus about Pan. my conviction is unshaken that it will hereafter be looked at as the best hypothesis of generation, inheritance & development.

But I must write no more so Goodbye—

We are very glad to hear so capital an acc^t of M^rs Hooker & the baby.⁷

yours affectionately | Ch Darwin

Perhaps you mean to cut up Pangenesis— if so, I have not a word to say in opposition