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11, EGERTON PLACE, S.W.

Feb: 21st [1909]

Dear Shipley,

In my list for the Centenary exhibition I mentioned the portrait of Dr Robert Waring Darwin of Shrewsbury. This was originally a very large picture of the Dr seated wearing breeches & gaiters & is rather a good picture. The picture was so large the head was cut out (not by me) & then framed in a small oval frame. The artist was not a good one & the head in this way looks monstrous something like a prize pig, & I should strongly advise you not to accept it.

There are good engravings after the picture, & no doubt some of family have it at Cambridge, if not Leonard has a copy next door.

This engraving will give a much better idea of Dr. D. than the head alone.

I have all my father's letters to Dr Hooker bound in two big volumes. Do you think these would be of any interest?

Yours sincerely,

W. E. Darwin