inclined to close with the offer, though I shall get nothing but extra
work by it.

To limit the amount of this extra work, however, I must get co-editors,
and I have written to Lubbock and to Rolleston (also plastically minded
young men) to see if they will join. Now up to this point you have been
in a horrid state of disgust, because you thought I was going to ask you
next. But I am not, for rejoiced as I should be to have you, I know you
have heaps of better work to do, and hate journalism.

But can you tell me of any plastic young botanist who would come in all
there glory and no pay, though I think pay may be got if the concern is
properly worked. How about Oliver?

And though you can't and won't be an editor yourself, won't you help us
and pat us on the back?

The tone of the "Review" will be mildly episcopophagous, and you and
Darwin and Lyell will have a fine opportunity if you wish it of slaying
your adversaries.

Ever yours faithfully,

T.H. Huxley.

[Several of his elder friends tried to dissuade him from an undertaking
which would inevitably distract him from his proper work. Sir Charles
Lyell prophesied that all the work would drift to the most energetic
member of the staff, and Huxley writes to Hooker, August 2, 1860:--]