Darwin Correspondence Project

Down. | Bromley. | Kent. S.E.

Dec. 10

Dear Innes,

I am much obliged for your letter. I do not think the case worth investigating simply because it is so wonderful & opposed to analogy that no naturalist wd believe it unless the animal was most carefully examined by some well-known, cautious, & experienced zoologist.— Even then many wd. disbelieve as the act of union was not observed.

A supposed hybrid was exhibited in London between a Deer & Pony; but when examined by Owen turned out to be a monstrosity of a Pony, aided by some manipulation on the hoofs.— All such cases have failed when examined into.—

As I am writing I had perhaps add that rumours are very common in our village about Mr Robinson walking with girls at night.— I did not mention them before, because I had not even moderately good authority; but my wife found Mrs Allen very indignant about Mr R.s conduct with one of her maids.

I do not believe that there is any evidence of actual immorality. As I repeat only second hand my name must not be mentioned.— Our maids tell my wife that they do not believe that hardly anyone will go to Church now that Mr R. has returned.

What a plague this Parish does give you.—

Dear Innes | Very sincerely yours | C. Darwin