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DARWIN'S HOME AT DOWNE

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.

Sir,—I should be very grateful if you could give publicity in The Times to the fact that Darwin's historic home at Downe House, Downe, is not open to the public. I have a 21 years' lease of the place, and a garden and home school for girls is carried on here. Each time the interest of the public is aroused by the Press notices of the purchase of Downe House for the British Association as a national memorial to Darwin I am inundated by requests from people to view the house and grounds. As this seriously affects the routine of my school, I have been reluctantly compelled to close the place to the public.

Yours truly,

E. WILLETT RAM (Mrs.).

Downe House, Downe, Kent, Jan. 3.