When J. D. Hooker sent his Introduction to the Flora of Australia to Charles Darwin to review, he sent him a letter, saying:
I am not surprised at your finding your Introduction very difficult. But do not grudge the labour, and do not say you " have burnt your fingers," and are "deep in the mud "
; for I feel sure that the result will be well worth the labour.
I believe that Darwin wanted to say that Hooker shouldn't be harsh to himself, as he did his best and worked hard in this introduction. Yet did he meant by "grudge the labour"?
I am not surprised at your finding your Introduction very difficult. But do not grudge the labour, and do not say you " have burnt your fingers," and are "deep in the mud "
; for I feel sure that the result will be well worth the labour.
I believe that Darwin wanted to say that Hooker shouldn't be harsh to himself, as he did his best and worked hard in this introduction. Yet did he meant by "grudge the labour"?
