[page] 18

When the MS. of the 'Origin of Species' was submitted, my father showed it to his intimate friend George Pollock (a son of the old Chief Baron), who strongly urged him to publish it. He took the advice, though in those days it required some courage to act upon it. Charles Darwin was one of the most courteous and modest of authors. I was present when he called, in 1887,¹ with a MS. in his hands and said, 'Here is a work which has occupied me for many years and interested me much. I fear the subject of it will not attract the public, but will you publish it for me?' My father replied, 'It always gives me pleasure and hope to hear an author speak of his work thus. What is the subject?' 'Earth-worms,' said Darwin. The book was duly published, and six editions were called for in less than a year.

¹ The year was 1881. Earthworms was published in 1881.