Letter written by Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin (1809-1882), English natural scientist. A.L.S., “Charles Darwin”, Down (Bromley, Kent), 27th January [no year], four pages 8vo, double sheet. On the printed letterhead “Down. Bromley. Kent. S.C.”. Interesting letter to a woman who gave him orchids at his disposal for research. His essay for a magazine about orchids is turning into a book: „[…] I will not attempt to thank your Ladyship for all your kindness, for it is beyond my power. I am pleased to hear that my Books have at all interested you: but I fear my little Orchid book will be dry. This summer when at the sea, I meant merely to write a paper for some scientific journal, but the subject grew on me till my M.S. got rather too long for a paper. I am convinced that orchids have a wicked power of witchcraft, for I ought all these months to be working at the dry old bones of poultry, pigeons and rabbits instead of intensely admiring beautiful orchids. - I mention all this, because, though I can hardly bear to write the words, I must beg your Ladyship not to send any more of your treasures; though perhaps at some future period I may indulge myself with the examination of a few more orchids. - I will not forget your Ladyships most generous offer to give me other flowers, if I require them for observation, & I have no doubt that I shall some time be a beggar again […]“ In 1862 he published “On the Various Contrivances by Which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilised by Insects”.