My Dear Sir,

In order to avoid the appearance of inattention (though to you it is so trifling a matter) I send a single line to say that I am still noting weekly the growth of ten deerhound puppies, with their relative weights—in order to state the result to you, which I think will be sufficient a fortnight hence.¹

I have also some other notes, and replies from correspondents, which I had partly transcribed for the same purpose. But I have deferred sending these, because I don’t want to be too officious, nor to trouble you too often— moreover, if Mr Wright has been answering you meanwhile on any point, you might be apt to feel sick of me, of deerhounds, and of my whole connection.²

I remain, Dear Sir, | ever most truly yours | George Cupples

Charles Darwin, Esq^e.