My dear Sir

I’ve been morn noon & night over my book & have only just this minute finished it or w^d. have written before the Heads—of matter—in Descent of Man—¹ There is really little to alter as far as my special knowledge is concerned—

• 1. Negroes have whiskers.²
• 2. Their music is sometimes agreeable.³
• 3. The Caffres are negroes.⁴

This last statement is open to discussion no doubt: the first two are easily proved beyond a doubt.

I have come across some evidence on dark-haired Europeans surviving light-haired in tropics which I believe you will consider of some importance.⁵

As to beauty you have very fairly stated the evidence on both sides & I dont see what more you can do. That you have discovered a new law is quite clear though I doubt its application to the black skin of the negro—except as an accessory perhaps.⁶

I can let you have details on these subjects whenever you want them. My time will now be quite free. I become a gentleman of leisure. I shall go to work on my travels but shall take it quietly.⁷ By the way when you praised my style I ought to have told you that I often read a little of the Origin of Species before composing—especially in the scientific parts— I shall send you a copy I hope in a fortnight or so, and I can assure you that as my obligations to you, in respect to this book, are greater than they are to any other writer, dead or alive, so I am more desirous of your approval for it than for any one else’s—& I must own I think your approval will be considerably qualified.

I remain | with best wishes for your health | yours very truly | Winwood Reade