hem, but I forget what; and I think that
Prestwich has written on the superficial deposits on the south coasts,
and I must find out his paper and read it. (571/2. Prof. Prestwich
contributed several papers to the Geological Society on the Superficial
Deposits of the South of England.)

From what I have seen of Mr. Judd's papers I have thought that he would
rank amongst the few leading British geologists.

LETTER 572. TO J.D. HOOKER.

(572/1. The following letter was written before Mr. Darwin knew that Sir
Charles Lyell was to be buried in Westminster Abbey, a memorial which
thoroughly satisfied him. See "Life and Letters," III., 197.)

Down, February 23rd, 1875.

I have just heard from Miss Buckley of Lyell's death. I have long felt
opposed to the present rage for testimonials; but when I think how
Lyell revolutionised Geology, and aided in the progress of so many other
branches of science, I wish that something could be done in his honour.
On the other hand it seems to me that a poor testimonial would be worse
than none; and testimonials seem to succeed only when a man has been
known and loved by many persons, as in the case of Falconer and Forbes.
Now, I doubt whether of late years any large number of scientific men
did feel much attachment towards Lyell; but on this head I am very ill
fitted to judge. I should like to hear some time what you think, and if
anything is proposed I should particularly wish to join in it. We have
both lost as good and as true a friend as ever lived.

LETTER 573. TO J.D. HOOKER.

(573/1. This letter shows the difficulty which the inscription for Sir
Charles Lyell's memorial gave his friends. The existing inscription is,
"Charles Lyell...Author of 'The Principles of Geology'...Throughout
a long and laborious life he sought the means of deciphering the
fragmentary records of the Earth's history in the patient investigation
of the present order of Nature, enlarging the boundaries of knowledge,
and leaving on Scientific thought an enduring influence..."

Down, June 21st [1876].

I am sorry for you about the inscription, which has almost burst me. We
think there are too many plurals in yours, and when read aloud it hisses
like a goose. I think the omission of some words makes it much stronger.
"World" (573/2. The suggested sentence runs: "he gave to the world the
results of his labour, etc.") is much stronger and truer than "public."
As Lyell wrote various other books and memoirs,