In the _Edinburgh_ Owen no doubt praised himself.
Mr. Maw's Review in the _Zoologist_ is one of the best, and staggered me
in parts, for I did not see the sophistry of parts. I could lend you any
which you might wish to see; but you would soon be tired. Hopkins and
Pictet in France are two of the best.
I am glad you approve of my little Orchid book; but it has not been
worth, I fear, the ten months it has cost me: it was a hobby-horse, and
so beguiled me.
I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from boils; I have often had
fearful crops: I hope that the doctors are right in saying that they are
serviceable.
How puzzled you must be to know what to begin at. You will do grand
work, I do not doubt.
My health is, and always will be, very poor: I am that miserable animal
a regular valetudinarian.--Yours very sincerely,
C. DARWIN.
* * * * *
_5 Westbourne Grove Terrace, W. August 8, 1862._
My dear Mr. Darwin,--I sincerely trust that your little boy is by this
time convalescent, and that you are therefore enabled to follow your
favourite investigations with a more tranquil mind.
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