Prof.Silliman sent me an extremely kind message by Asa Gray that your Journal would be open to a reply by me.

I cannot decide till I see it, but on principle I have resolved to avoid answering anything, as it consumes much time, often temper, and I have said my say in the "Origin." No one person understands my views and has defended them so well as A.Gray, though he does not by any means go all the way with me.

There was much discussion on the subject at the British Association at Oxford, and I had many defenders, and my side seems (for I was not there) almost to have got the best of the battle.

Your correspondent and my neighbour, J.Lubbock, goes on working at such spare time as he has.

This is an egotistical note, but I have not seen a naturalist for months.