My Dear Mr Darwin,

I was at any rate keeping the puppy for a little longer, in order to harden and acclimatize him (after weaning) to the change of the season, which is here cold at nights.¹ Every day I thought of writing to mention this cause for delay, but did not like to trouble you with such a matter.

I now propose that he shall stay till about the end of the month, after which I will write to tell the day and hour of his arrival at King’s Cross station—giving plenty of time beforehand for any note to the contrary.² Perhaps we can manage to see him off from Edinburgh ourselves—in which case the proper guard could be seen, otherwise he would go through too many different lines of railway for that. Indeed there is no fear of him in that respect— nor would it be necessary for you to send to meet the hamper, except for the possibility of delay in London.

It is desirable that he should come to his new quarters when very young, in order to get into the habits of the house.³ All he requires is to have warmth at night, plenty of play—and a companion if possible, which I suppose he would find in Miss Darwin’s “Polly”, if Polly is goodnatured.⁴

I shall send a brief card of dietary &c—to fix up for the servants. He thrives well, in spite of the season.

I am glad to hear of proofs—though truly sorry that they fatigue you. The excursion, I hope, will set this to rights.⁵

Believe me | Dear Mr Darwin | ever most truly yours | George Cupples

Charles Darwin, Esq ^r. | Down.