My Dear Darwin

Being eve of post-day we respond at once to yours of the 27^th January—which arrived this very morning—lest you should send us down to posterity with a fabulous dog-story.¹

I well remember telling you of our “Max” and his habit of washing cat-fashion—which you suggested might have come from being brought up with a cat, and I think I told you that I had not been able to learn definitely whether that was the case or no. Here, you see, by some shuffling of memory, a suggestion of what might explain a fact has taken the place of the fact itself. I am curious to know if it be true,—for it is the only explanation I can think of.

As to your question which I brought home from you to Agassiz, I spoke to him of it the first time I saw him, and soon sent him your written mem. I fear it is too late now to get the answer from him,—unless he mends more decidedly than he is now doing.² About a month ago A. had a serious and peculiar attack of trouble in the brain, which we fear betokens serious mischief, and has laid him up wholly. He is getting better slowly, but his state is critical & doubtful. I advise you to forward the query to Alexr. Agassiz. (letters will reach thro’ Baring Brothers, & Co. 8, Bishopgate St. within.); he can either inform you or find out.³ J. Wyman⁴ is now in Italy, or on the way, or I could learn from him.

So you have effected a treaty with Appleton of New York.⁵ The bait you offered—of a book sure to make a great stir, and sell hugely—was more than he could resist. He ought to have done it from a sense of propriety.

I trust you have some of the slender leaved Drosera, I sent thro’ Hooker.⁶

Well, our homeward voyage was not a nice one, especially for Mrs. Gray,⁷ and it now seems a long time ago. I dropped at once into a world of work—but am not killing myself. The main struggle for existence will come in spring, when my duties crowd on me dreadfully.

It gave us both very great pleasure to see again Mrs. Darwins well-known hand-writing, and your signature.

I knew you would be pleased with young Agassiz and his Yankee wife.⁸ I wish his health were better.—and I do hope your own will be such that you can next summer see and know my trump of a colleague J. Wyman.

Ever Yours truly, | A. Gray