My dear Mr. Darwin

I was much pleased to receive your note this morning.¹ I have not yet begun work but hope to be soon busy.² As I am being doctored a little I do not think I shall be able to accept your kind invitation at present but trust to be able to do so during the summer.

I beg you to accept a wild honeycomb from the island of Timor, not quite perfect but the best I could get. It is of a small size but of characteristic form & I think will be interesting to you. I was quite unable to get the honey out of it, so fear you will find it somewhat in a mess but no doubt you will know how to clean it.

I have told Stevens to send it to you.³

Hoping your health is now quite restored & with best wishes | I remain | My dear Mr Darwin | Yours very sincerely | Alfred R. Wallace

C. Darwin Esq.