My dear Sir

I send by this post my M.S. on Fowls:² you will find the reading a tough & dull job.— The notes are pinned on the back. You will have lots of time for I shall be away about 8 weeks.³ Any very short corrections or doubts might be marked on margin; any longer remarks had better be on separate sheet, with reference to a pencil cross (x) & my page.— The Synopsis of characters will perhaps require closest attention.

Please observe that the style is not yet corrected. I have made several statements which I sh^d. not have ventured on, had I not known that you would kindly look the M.S. over. Moreover I hope to add & correct from further information which you will obtain for me.—

Please keep the M.S. in some shut & safe place.— It took me 8 weeks to write!!⁴

Now forgive me for a bit of business: I enclose a cheque for five guineas, which perhaps you will think sufficient just to remunerate you for loss of time in looking over the M.S. & for the observations which you have already been so good to make for me.—⁵

Will you please acknowledge the safe receipt of the M.S. & this note.—

With sincere thanks for all your kindness | believe, my dear Sir | Yours sincerely | C. Darwin

The M.S. is splendidly copied.—⁶