My Dear Mr Darwin,

I write merely to show that I am keeping fully in mind about the Deerhound puppy, with regard to which I can now engage pretty definitely.¹ After an unusual delay in the arrangements of the dogs among themselves, I am now able to count on a litter of puppies by the 15^th. August—in which case they will be, I think, the very best I have ever bred, grey in colour, large, and rough. I shall select a dog-puppy, keep it for about 8 weeks, and then send it to you. This will bring it to about the middle of October, at the best age for training to the habits desired. The mild climate of Kent will help it to get strength for the winter. In due time, along with the puppy, I will send full particulars for management &c.

I hope you are now again at the seaside, or somewhere else, recruiting.

I may add that I have from time to time full confirmation of my previous statement that dogs in breeding form decided preferences towards each other—often being influenced by size, bright colour, and individual character, as well as the foregoing degree of their familiarity with each other.² So undoubtedly, to some extent, with poultry—as stated in the article I sent you from All-the-Year-Round, whose assertions in that respect I could have corroborated from actual observation.³

With best regards I am | Dear Mr Darwin | ever truly yours | George Cupples

Cha^s. Darwin, Esq^r. | Down.