Dear M^r. Darwin

D^r Dohrn has written to Professor Huxley, D^r Foster & Dew Smith to the effect that his contractor has failed, & that unless he can get some Money he will be unable to complete the zoological station at Naples.¹ Professor Huxley has told Foster that owing to his weak state of health & other circumstances he is not in a position to help D^r. Dohrn, & therefore feels unable to ask other people to do so—²

Though I feel that it is hardly my place to do so yet I have ventured at D^r. Fosters suggestion to write to you and ask you whether you think that any thing can be done under the circumstances. It would be most unfortunate if the first attempt to start a zoological station were to fail owing to the want of a few hundred pounds

D^r Dohrn himself, as you will see from the accompanying statement of the position of affairs as far as I know it, wishes to borrow the money.³

I myself think that it will be easier (if D^r Dohrn will accept it) to get money to be given to the zoological station rather than to be lent to himself.

I hope you will pardon my writing on this subject— it was only with the greatest reluctance that I ventured to trouble you about it. | I am | yours very truly | F. M. Balfour.