I thought of sending it to the Editor of the "Annals and Mag.

of Nat.

Hist." in which two hostile reviews have appeared (although I suppose the "Annals" have a very poor circulation), and asking them in the spirit of fair play to print this, with Asa Gray's name, which I will take the responsibility of adding.
Also, as it is long, I would offer to pay expenses.
It is very good, in addition, as bringing in Pictet so largely.
(111/2.

Pictet (1809-72) wrote a "perfectly fair" review opposed to the "Origin." See "Life and Letters," II., page 297.) Tell me briefly what you think.
What an astonishing expedition this is of Hooker's to Syria! God knows whether it is wise.
How are you and all yours?
I hope you are not working too hard.

For Heaven's sake, think that you may become such a beast as I am.