Down, June 19th [1858].
I have just received your note.

Unfortunately I cannot attend at the British Museum on Monday.

I do not suppose my opinion on the subject of your note can be of any value, as I have not much considered the subject, or had the advantage of discussing it with other naturalists.
But my impression is, that there is much weight in what you say about not breaking up the natural history collection of the British Museum.

I think a national collection ought to be in London.

I can, however, see that some weighty arguments might be advanced in favour of Kew, owing to the immense value of Sir W.Hooker's collection and library; but these are private property, and I am not aware that there is any certainty of their always remaining at Kew.