my purpose, is now far better than the "Gardeners' Chronicle."


LETTER 126. TO J.L.A. DE QUATREFAGES.
Down, April 25 [1861].

I received this morning your "Unite de l'Espece Humaine" [published in
1861], and most sincerely do I thank you for this your very kind present.
I had heard of and been recommended to read your articles, but, not knowing
that they were separately published, did not know how to get them. So your
present is most acceptable, and I am very anxious to see your views on the
whole subject of species and variation; and I am certain to derive much
benefit from your work. In cutting the pages I observe that you have most
kindly mentioned my work several times. My views spread slowly in England
and America; and I am much surprised to find them most commonly accepted by
geologists, next by botanists, and least by zoologists. I am much pleased
that the younger and middle-aged geologists are coming round, for the
arguments from Geology have always seemed strongest against me. Not one of
the older geologists (except Lyell) has been even shaken in his views of
the eternal immutability of species. But so many of the younger men are
turning round with zeal that I look to the future with some confidence. I
am now at work on "Variation under Domestication," but make slow progress--
it is such tedious work comparing skeletons.

With very sincere thanks for the kind sympathy which you have always shown
me, and with much respect,...

P.S.--I have lately read M. Naudin's paper (126/1. Naudin's paper ("Revue
Horticole," 1852) is mentioned in the "Historical Sketch" prefixed to the
later editions of the "Origin" (Edition VI., page xix). Naudin insisted