My dear Hooker

You held out some hopes that you would pay us a Sunday visit: will you come on Saturday 6^th of December. If so my phaeton shall be at the Sydenham Station to meet the Train which leaves London Bridge at 2^o. 20’, & this will just bring you in time for our dinner. If the 6^th does not suit you will the ensuing Saturday the 13^th be more convenient. As soon as I get your reply, I will ask Forbes Falconer & perhaps Waterhouse¹ to come by the same Train, & I hope we shall have some good Nat. Hist talk & I flatter myself I shall have the four most rising naturalists in England round my table & much I shall enjoy it.—

I returned yesterday from Town, after having had four very active successfull days in London.—² I failed to catch Henslow at home.—

Farewell, I hope you will come. Ever yours | C. Darwin