My dear Hooker

I am astounded at your news received this morning.¹ I am become such an old fogy, that I am amazed at your spirit. For God’s sake do not go & get your throat cut.² Bless my soul, I think you must be a little insane. I must confess it will be a most interesting tour; & if you get to top of Lebanon, I suppose extremely interesting.— You ought to collect any Beetles under stones there; but the Entomologists are such slow coaches, I daresay no result could be made out of them. The stupid beasts have never worked the Alpines of Britain.—

If you come across any Brine lakes do attend their minute Flora & Fauna; I have often been surprised how little this has been attended to.—

I have had long letter from Lyell, who starts ingenious difficulties opposed to nat. selection, because it has not done more than it has.³ This is very good, as it shows he has thoroughily mastered the subject; & shows he is in earnest. Very striking letter altogether, & it rejoices the cockles of my heart.— I mentioned to him that you had been thinking of answering Q.R.. but he does not think it worth your while.⁴

If you come across many mules or Asses look out for double or treble shoulder stripe—or trace of forked shoulder stripes; for transverse bars on legs & trace of stripes on side of face: especially forked shoulder stripe, even trace of.—   If you see, make slightest sketch,—that will be best & shortest way.—⁵

I am glad to hear pretty good account of Baby. Etty steadily crawls on. How I shall miss you my best & kindest of friends.—   God Bless you | Yours ever affectionly | C. Darwin

I have got nothing to suggest about Arctic Flora.—⁶

I wrote yesterday about Drosera, give it M^r. Oliver.⁷

I had not heard of Review in “Once a week”⁸