My dear M^r Cupples.

I am delighted to hear about the Dog; but as I said before you have been too generous to make me such a present.² I do not feel worthy of it, except so far that when I know a dog, I love it with all my heart & soul.—

Whenever I hear of the dog & train & station in London & hour of arrival I will send a servant to meet the train in London, & he shall either keep in London or bring the dog home the same night according to the hour. […] I should be very grateful for a few instructions about food & name of Father or near relatives that we may Christian him³ […] Any hints, if necessary, about teaching him to be quiet & not attack men or animals wd. be advisable. I can assure you, we will all make much of him.

I am very hard at work correcting proofs of my new book, “on the Descent of Man &c” which turns out unfortunately large, viz 2 volumes. I need not say that a copy will of course be sent you when published; but I shall be at least 2 more months at the abominable work of making my rugged style passably smooth.— ⁴

With cordial thanks— Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin

We are pleased to hear that he is not grey but cream-coloured!

Pray give our very kind remembrances to M^rs Cupples.—⁵