Dear Sir

I thank you for your very obliging letter, & return the enclosed.¹ I have, in my Descent of Man, alluded to parrots speaking, & in a new edition which I am now preparing I have added good evidence of their understanding the words which they use; & I will add, on your authority, the case of the starling.²

I am much out of health, & am overwhelmed with letters from many quarters, & therefore I much regret to say that it is impossible for me to offer to correspond with any one—

With sincere good wishes for your success in all the scientific work which you undertake, I remain | Dear Sir | yours very faithfully | Ch. Darwin