To Michael Foster 23 April [1874]¹

Down, | Beckenham, Kent. [2 Bryanston Street, London.]

April 23^d

Dear D^r Foster

The proof reads very well. I hope to Heaven our scheme may be successful.² I am sorry to say that I know nothing whatever of the D. of Devonshire³ & could not possibly write to him. Sir C. Lyell will subscribe & is puzzled what to give.—⁴ You have omitted my eldest son of W. E. Darwin who has promised 20£.⁵

Remember to send a copy (but not as from me) to T. H. Farrer Board of Trade Whitehall & to E. A. Darwin 6. Queen Anne St. W.⁶

I was at the R. Soc. for a short time last night & wish that I had heard that you were there.⁷ In Haste | Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin

Footnotes

1

The year is established by the reference to the proof (see n. 2, below).

2

Foster had arranged to have copies of an appeal for the Zoological Station at Naples printed for distribution to prospective subscribers (see circular to various scientific men, [7 April 1874], and letter from Michael Foster, 7 April [1874]).

3

William Cavendish was the seventh duke of Devonshire.

4

Charles Lyell.

5

William Erasmus Darwin

6

CD refers to Thomas Henry Farrer and Erasmus Alvey Darwin.

7

CD had planned to have a photograph of the Zoological Station displayed at the Royal Society of London soirée on 22 April (see letter to Anton Dohrn, 16 April and 9 August 1874).