my book. If you think enough, I expect you will be perverted, and if you
ever are, I shall know that the theory of Natural Selection, is, in the
main, safe; that it includes, as now put forth, many errors, is almost
certain, though I cannot see them. Do not, of course, think of answering
this; but if you have other OCCASION to write again, just say whether I
have, in ever so slight a degree, shaken any of your objections. Farewell.
With my cordial thanks for your long letters and valuable remarks,

Believe me, yours most truly,
C. DARWIN.

P.S.--You often allude to Lamarck's work; I do not know what you think
about it, but it appeared to me extremely poor; I got not a fact or idea
from it.


CHARLES DARWIN TO L. AGASSIZ. (Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz, born at
Mortier, on the lake of Morat in Switzerland, on May 28, 1807. He
emigrated to America in 1846, where he spent the rest of his life, and died
December 14, 1873. His 'Life,' written by his widow, was published in
1885. The following extract from a letter to Agassiz (1850) is worth
giving, as showing how my father regarded him, and it may be added that his
cordial feelings towards the great American naturalist remained strong to
the end of his life:--

"I have seldom been more deeply gratified than by receiving your most kind
present of 'Lake Superior.' I had heard of it, and had much wished to read
it, but I confess that it was the very great honour of having in my
possession a work with your autograph as a presentation copy that has given
me such lively and sincere pleasure. I cordially thank you for it. I have